As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for the upcoming NBA season, all eyes are on the team and its new dynamic under head coach JJ Redick. This season promises to be particularly intriguing, as it could feature the rare opportunity of seeing LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, sharing the court. Bronny James was selected by the Lakers with the 55th pick in the second round and is expected to spend a considerable amount of time developing in the G League. Having played one season at USC, Bronny is ready to showcase his talents under the watchful eyes of both his father and his head coach.
A New Era with JJ Redick
JJ Redick steps into his new role as head coach, a significant change for a Lakers team that nonetheless remains largely unchanged from last season. He is fully aware of the unique challenge and opportunity presented by coaching both LeBron and Bronny. "I don't look at it as a challenge," Redick commented, reflecting on the situation. "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."
This alignment is critical as the team prepares to start their season on October 22 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. While the anticipation is palpable, Redick has made it clear that important discussions are ongoing and that decisions regarding Bronny's role will involve both father and son. "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."
Health and Roster Updates
Despite maintaining a roster largely similar to last season, the Lakers have had some concerns to address in the offseason. Gabe Vincent and Jalen-Hood Schifino are reported to be in good health, ready to contribute right from the start. Yet, there are lingering questions surrounding Jarred Vanderbilt, who underwent procedures on both feet during the offseason. His availability remains a concern, even as the team looks forward to the regular season.
Anticipation and Preparation
LeBron James, entering an astounding 22nd NBA season at 39 years old, continues to defy age with his performance levels. The prospect of playing alongside his son hasn't gone unnoticed by fans, pundits, and the team itself. A memorable moment capturing the competitive spirit between father and son came during one of their practice matches. "Bronny got switched onto LeBron, and LeBron took him baseline, up and under off the glass," shared Rob Pelinka, the Lakers' General Manager. "The words exchanged afterward were probably more challenging than anything else." LeBron, ever the competitor, simply put it as, "Great defense. Better O."
Pelinka remains optimistic about the team's prospects. "We have a lot of optimism that when the real games start, he'll be available," he said, alluding to some of the injury concerns. "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 the Future
Ensuring the Lakers' success is not just about quick fixes but rather establishing a lasting legacy of excellence. On this point, Pelinka's vision aligns perfectly with Redick’s. "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 mixture of seasoned veterans and young talent, the Lakers' upcoming season holds much promise and potential. As the regular season inches closer, the narrative surrounding the father-son duo of LeBron and Bronny James, along with JJ Redick's new coaching philosophy, will undoubtedly keep fans riveted. The journey begins soon, and the Lakers are preparing to make it a season to remember.