With the upcoming NBA season just around the corner, the Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up under the leadership of their new head coach, JJ Redick. The team is buzzing with excitement and anticipation, particularly surrounding the potential on-court collaboration between LeBron James and his son, Bronny James.
Family Ties on the Court
The Lakers made headlines by selecting Bronny James with the 55th pick in the second round, a move that sets the stage for a historic father-son duo in the league. Although Bronny showcased his talents during his single season at USC, expectations are that he will spend a substantial amount of time in the G League to further develop his skills. Despite this, there is palpable excitement within the Lakers organization about the potential of Bronny sharing the court with his legendary father.
"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. 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," JJ Redick stated, underlining the thorough and considerate approach the coaching staff is taking regarding the James duo.
Roster Stability and Health Concerns
While the Lakers' roster remains largely intact from last season, the health of key players will be crucial to their success. Newcomers Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino are currently in good health, which bodes well for the upcoming grind. However, there are concerns around Jarred Vanderbilt, who underwent procedures on both feet during the offseason. His recovery is something the Lakers are monitoring closely.
General Manager Rob Pelinka expressed optimism about the situation: "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."
LeBron's Milestone Season
LeBron James, entering his 22nd NBA season at the age of 39, continues to defy the odds. His leadership and performance remain integral to the Lakers' aspirations. The potential of playing alongside his son adds another layer of motivation. Reflecting on a practice session where Bronny faced off against him, Pelinka shared a revealing moment: "[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 competitive spirit was on full display, as he remarked, "Great defense. Better O."
JJ Redick, speaking about his unique position coaching both a superstar and his promising son, said, "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."
A New Era Under JJ Redick
The arrival of JJ Redick as head coach marks a new era for the Lakers. Known for his sharp basketball IQ and relentless work ethic during his playing days, Redick now brings that same mindset to his coaching role. The Lakers and their fans are eager to see how his strategies and vision will shape the team's performance this season.
Rob Pelinka, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of sustainable success: "I think the philosophy that JJ and I are aligned on is we want to build sustainable Lakers excellence. 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."
Season Opener and Expectations
All eyes will be on the Lakers as they tip off the regular season on October 22 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anticipation is high for how the roster will come together under Redick's new guidance and whether the potential LeBron-Bronny on-court partnership will come to fruition. As the Lakers prepare to embark on this new journey, their blend of experience, youth, and seasoned leadership makes them a fascinating team to watch.