The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for an anticipated NBA season under the direction of their new head coach, JJ Redick. With the excitement surrounding the potential of LeBron James playing alongside his son, Bronny James, fans and analysts alike have their eyes on the Lakers' journey this season.
Father and Son on the Court
In a historic move, the Lakers selected Bronny James with the 55th pick in the second round of the NBA Draft. Following a single season at USC, Bronny is expected to spend significant time in the G League, honing his skills and transitioning to professional play. Despite the likelihood of extensive G League appearances, the prospect of LeBron and Bronny sharing the court is tantalizing.
Head coach JJ Redick acknowledges the complexity and uniqueness of coaching not just any father-son duo but one involving a future Hall-of-Famer and a rookie brimming with potential. "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 explained.
Lakers' Lineup Preview
Consistency appears to be the theme for the Lakers' roster, which remains largely unchanged from last season. The team maintains a core that includes Gabe Vincent and Jalen-Hood Schifino, both of whom are in peak health. However, concerns linger around Jarred Vanderbilt, who underwent procedures on both feet during the offseason. His readiness for the season remains uncertain, casting a shadow over the Lakers' defensive front.
General Manager Rob Pelinka remains optimistic about overcoming these hurdles. "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," Pelinka stated.
Building a Legacy of Excellence
Both Redick and Pelinka are aligned in their long-term vision for the Lakers. Their approach focuses on sustainable excellence, rather than quick fixes that may backfire. Pelinka emphasized this philosophy, saying, "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."
Looking Ahead to the Season
The Lakers will kick off their regular season on October 22 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This marks the beginning of what could be a memorable season, especially with LeBron James entering his 22nd year in the NBA at the age of 39. Despite his years, LeBron continues to be a dominant force on the court, and his experience and leadership will be crucial for a team aspiring to return to championship contention.
The buzz surrounding father-son matchups have already started making headlines. Recounting a practice session, Pelinka shared, "[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 himself weighed in, encapsulating the competitive spirit in a few words: "Great defense. Better O.”
For JJ Redick, this season presents a unique challenge and opportunity. He expressed enthusiasm about coaching Bronny, highlighting the young player's hunger and inherent skillsets. "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."
As the new season approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers are a team to watch. Between LeBron James' ongoing legacy, Bronny James' potential, and JJ Redick’s fresh leadership, the pieces are in place for an intriguing and potentially historic NBA season.