How Lakers Will Make NBA History as Wild Stat Revealed After LeBron's Decision to Leave for 76ers

The Los Angeles Lakers are bringing a new-look roster into the 2026-27 season following key departures led by star forward LeBron James, who signed with the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of his 24th NBA campaign.

In addition to losing James, the Lakers parted ways with multiple members of their regular rotation from the 2025-26 season, including centers Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, point guard Marcus Smart, wing Rui Hachimura and shooting guard Luke Kennard.

Per ESPN's Dave McMenamin, when the revamped Lakers open the 2026-27 season, they will be "the first team in NBA history to have none of its top five players in minutes played from the previous postseason return to the team for the following season."

Los Angeles brought in a slew of new faces to replace the players it lost, including center Walker Kessler, power forward Sandro Mamukelashvili, shooting guard Quentin Grimes, point guard Collin Sexton, center Kevon Looney and wing Matisse Thybulle.

It will be up to Lakers star point guard Luka Doncic to try to make all the new pieces fit together as the team looks to contend for a title in the competitive Western Conference.