As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for the new NBA season, there’s a wave of excitement and anticipation surrounding the team, driven by the potential on-court pairing of LeBron James and his son, Bronny James. Under the fresh leadership of head coach JJ Redick, the team is poised for a season rich with possibilities.
New Leadership and Familiar Faces
JJ Redick, in his inaugural season as the head coach, brings a fresh perspective and keen understanding to the Lakers. “We obviously have talked about it as a staff and we've gotten into some specifics of what that might look like,” Redick said, referring to the dynamic of coaching both LeBron and Bronny James. “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.”
Despite the new coaching regime, the Lakers' roster remains largely unchanged from the previous season. This consistency could prove beneficial as the team seeks to refine their chemistry and gameplay. Key players such as Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino are healthy and expected to contribute significantly. However, Jarred Vanderbilt’s recovery from offseason procedures on both feet remains a concern. As Lakers GM Rob Pelinka noted, the team remains cautiously optimistic: “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.”
Bronny James' Path to the Lakers
Bronny James was selected by the Lakers with the 55th pick in the second round, after a single season at USC. He’s expected to spend a significant amount of time in the G League, developing his skills and adapting to the professional level. Nonetheless, his journey to the NBA has been closely watched, and the possibility of him playing alongside his father, LeBron, is a storyline filled with both narrative and intrigue.
Recalling a practice where Bronny faced off against LeBron, Pelinka shared a telling 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.” This competitive spirit and familial connection add a unique layer to the Lakers' season.
LeBron James, entering his 22nd NBA season at the age of 39, continues to defy the norms of athletic longevity. His insight and experience are invaluable assets to the team. Reflecting on his interaction with his son during practice, he quipped, “Great defense. Better O.”
Building Towards Sustainable Success
The Lakers' strategy under the combined vision of Redick and Pelinka emphasizes sustainable success. “I think the philosophy that JJ and I are aligned on is we want to build sustainable Lakers excellence,” Pelinka explained. “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.” This enduring vision is crucial as the Lakers look to navigate the complexities of a new season.
As the regular season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22 approaches, the Lakers’ preparation and strategy are under the microscope. The team's composition, bolstered by the presence of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, positions them as a squad with potential to make a significant impact.
JJ Redick’s sentiment about coaching Bronny encapsulates the optimism surrounding the Lakers: “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 Lakers embark on a new season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the interplay of veteran experience and youthful potential unfolds on the court. The narrative of LeBron and Bronny playing together, guided by Redick’s fresh approach and Pelinka’s strategic vision, promises to make this a season to remember.