The Los Angeles Lakers are on the cusp of a monumental season that could see not just one James, but two, donning the iconic purple and gold. Under the guidance of their new head coach, JJ Redick, the Lakers are gearing up for an NBA season that promises excitement and a few intriguing narratives.
New Beginnings
In the spotlight is Bronny James, selected by the Lakers with the 55th pick in the second round. Having played a season at USC, Bronny's transition to the professional stage is highly anticipated. While he is expected to spend significant time in the G League, the prospect of seeing him on the main roster is a storyline that fans and pundits alike are closely watching.
JJ Redick, embracing his role as the Lakers’ new head coach, has been open about the discussions surrounding the integration of Bronny into the team. "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," Redick stated. His approach reflects a collaborative effort that includes both the James duo and the coaching staff.
LeBron's Unique Challenge
LeBron James, entering his 22nd NBA season at the age of 39, continues to defy expectations. His leadership will be pivotal, not just on the court but also in mentoring his son. LeBron's experience and talent remain invaluable assets to the Lakers as they vie for another championship.
During a practice session, LeBron and Bronny had a memorable one-on-one moment, described vividly by the Lakers' General Manager, Rob Pelinka: "[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 humorously summed up the encounter with, "Great defense. Better O."
Redick's Adaptive Coaching
As Redick navigates his first season with the Lakers, he expresses confidence and enthusiasm about coaching Bronny. "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," Redick remarked. His positive outlook is a testament to the potential he sees in the young James.
The Roster and Health Updates
The Lakers are entering the season with a roster that largely mirrors last year's lineup. The consistency could work in their favor, providing stability and cohesion. Key players like Gabe Vincent and Jalen-Hood Schifino are in good health, which bodes well for the team’s performance. However, an area of concern remains with Jarred Vanderbilt, who underwent procedures on both feet during the offseason. Pelinka remained cautiously optimistic, stating, "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."
Season Opener and Outlook
The Lakers will tip-off their regular season on October 22, facing the Minnesota Timberwolves. The game marks the beginning of what could be an historic season, especially under the new philosophy instilled by Redick and Pelinka. Pelinka emphasized the importance of sustainable excellence, sharing, "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."
With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, the Lakers are poised to make a splash this season. The anticipation of seeing LeBron and Bronny possibly sharing the court adds a layer of excitement, promising fans a season rich with memorable moments and competitive basketball.