What happened: Interim governor John Gibson thanked Kawhi Leonard after the Sept. 15 deal sending Leonard to Toronto became official. Trent Redden will run basketball operations while Lawrence Frank serves a suspension, with Ty Lue remaining as head coach.

Why it matters: Los Angeles opens the 2026-27 buildup without its longtime star, putting continuity on Lue and the front office. The interim structure follows Gibson's Sept. 21 installation as governor and CEO, centralizing decisions during Frank's absence.

What to watch: Watch for length of Frank's suspension and Redden's first roster moves before camp.