Luka Doncic Doesn't Want to Be Lakers' GM After LeBron's Exit for 76ers, Says Rob Pelinka

Luka Dončić is weighing in but not taking over on Los Angeles Lakers roster and coaching decisions following LeBron James' free agency departure, according to general manager Rob Pelinka.

"I feel like we're co-creators with him, because he's a very creative basketball mind," Pelinka said about Dončić in a Friday appearance on ESPN LA's Mason & Ireland Show (4:20 mark of the video below).

"Ultimately, I have the final responsibility to make calls on the roster, and Luka is very clear, like, 'I want you to do your job. I don't want to be the GM. I don't want to be the coach... but, we can co-create. Let's share ideas. Let's break down pros and cons and look at all aspects of a potential decision point before we make it.'"

Rumors of James' involvement in Lakers roster decisions popped up frequently during his eight-year tenure in Los Angeles.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported in 2022 Pelinka was reportedly "allowing for greater influence from [James] when it comes to personnel decisions than in the typical player-management relationship," including regarding the Lakers' 2021 trade for Russell Westbrook.

Both Pelinka and coach JJ Redick have recently expressed excitement about working with a new-look Lakers roster built around Dončić. Redick said in a Thursday press conference he felt this season was "probably the first time in my three years here that I feel like the pieces actually fit together."

The Lakers are preparing to test out their new starting lineup featuring returners Dončić and Austin Reaves alongside offseason addition Walker Kessler when tipping off the regular season Oct. 21 against the visiting Golden State Warriors.