The Los Angeles Lakers have enjoyed the NBA Playoffs from the comforts of their living room, favorite vacation spot, or otherwise since the Minnesota Timberwolves packed their bags for them in the first round. LeBron James understands why that is.
"For me, I've definitely learned over the years that teams win championships," James told Steve Nash on the newest episode of the Mind the Game podcast. "Individuals get a lot of the accolades and the praise, but a collective group wins championships."
LeBron continued the discussion admitting that while the 'big guys' make the 'big plays at the end of games, through the game, or whatever,' it is still that team effort that gets it done in the end.
"Like, f***, how did me and Luka [Doncic] lose," James said in mimicry of the criticism. "There's eight other guys on the floor."
LeBron's message served as a clear reminder for one of the main objectives for the 2025 offseason. The Lakers must address the glaring need for depth on the roster.
James' comments outline offseason objective for Rob Pelinka
Getting caught in situations like the Game 4 embarrassment against the Timberwolves is not a circumstance that a championship contender should be finding itself in. Whether it was meant as a subtle push for Rob Pelinka or not, that was ultimately how the delivery of James' words landed.
The Lakers general manager should be used to feeling the pressure from his superstars by now. Pelinka, himself, noted at the Lakers' exit interviews that he understands the high demand for adequately building the team for next season.
“I think LeBron’s going to have high expectations for the roster,” Pelinka told The Athletic. “And we’re going to do everything we can to meet those.”
The baby elephant in the room would be the discussion of whether James sticks around in Los Angeles. However, the flight risk feels mild and more of a leverage play from the all-time great than anything else.
The real risks and concerns come from whether Pelinka can get the job done around his two superstars. The front office leader has struggled in the past to bring free agents to Los Angeles. The biggest additions made last offseason came via the NBA Draft.
The optimistic viewpoint here would be thinking that Pelinka's job has been made easier by having Doncic and James as a very attractive selling point to potential free agents. Additionally, the benefit of the doubt is somewhat owed after the in-season heroics of the Lakers general manager.
The Timberwolves were able to consistently roll out at least eight effective players as a part of their postseason rotation against the Lakers. That is something Pelinka should aspire to for next season.
