Los Angeles Lakers Set Sights on New Season Under Coach JJ Redick
The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for the upcoming NBA season, with a fresh face at the helm: JJ Redick. Redick's appointment has generated significant buzz, not least because he will be tasked with managing the dynamic between LeBron James and his son Bronny James, a storyline that promises both excitement and challenges.
Bronny James, after a single season at USC, finds himself donning the purple and gold, selected by the Lakers with the 55th pick in the second round. While fans are eager to see LeBron and Bronny share the court, it's expected that Bronny will spend substantial time developing in the G League. Despite this, the possibility of father and son playing together remains a tantalizing prospect.
"We obviously have talked about it as a staff and we've gotten into some specifics of what that might look like. But we haven't committed to anything," Redick explained. "And obviously, there's a discussion to be had once we're all together with Bronny and LeBron, too. They should be a part of that discussion as well."
One memorable moment during the Lakers' training sessions saw Bronny switched onto LeBron, leading to a baseline move and an up-and-under finish from the seasoned superstar. Lakers' GM Rob Pelinka recounted, "[Bronny] got switched onto LeBron, and LeBron took him baseline, up and under off the glass. The words exchanged afterward were probably more challenging than anything else." LeBron's succinct analysis of the encounter? "Great defense. Better O."
As for Redick, he views coaching Bronny as a unique but welcome challenge. "I don't look at it as a challenge. It's unique from any other challenge of coaching a player or coaching a relationship. Bronny, I feel very fortunate that I get to coach him because he's young and he's hungry, and he's got a lot of inherent skillsets that we can really mold into a really good NBA player."
The Lakers' roster remains largely stable from last season, with key players like Gabe Vincent and Jalen-Hood Schifino in good health. However, there are concerns about Jarred Vanderbilt, who underwent procedures on both feet during the offseason. Pelinka has expressed cautious optimism about Vanderbilt's availability. "We have a lot of optimism that when the real games start, he'll be available. Between now and then, there is still about a month, and there are a lot of ramp-up steps that need to go well, so hopefully there won't be setbacks."
Building for a Sustainable Future
Redick and Pelinka appear aligned in their vision for the team’s long-term success. "I think the philosophy that JJ and I are aligned on is we want to build sustainable Lakers excellence," Pelinka noted. "And I think, when we talk about moves, you can make a move that backfires. I think every GM has made a trade where he says, 'Maybe that one wasn't ideal.' But every lens that we look through has to lead to sustainable Lakers excellence."
The Lakers' season opener is scheduled for October 22 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking the official start of LeBron's 22nd NBA season. At 39 years old, LeBron remains a pivotal element of the Lakers' roster, his enduring athleticism and leadership continuing to set the standard for excellence.
The Lakers are not just preparing for another season; they're looking to set the foundation for future triumphs. Under Redick's guidance and with a roster blending experienced stalwarts with promising young talent, the Lakers are poised to embark on a journey aiming for sustained success.