The Los Angeles Lakers are on the cusp of an intriguing NBA season, spearheaded by their new head coach, JJ Redick. With a roster largely unchanged from last season, the team is looking for continuity and growth under Redick's guidance. However, this season brings a unique twist, with the potential for LeBron James to share the court with his son, Bronny James.
LeBron and Bronny: A Historic Pairing
Bronny James, who played one season at USC, was selected by the Lakers with the 55th pick in the second round. While expectations are high, the young guard is anticipated to spend a significant amount of time in the G League, honing his skills for the NBA spotlight. Redick acknowledges the balance required in coaching 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," said Redick. "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 Updates and Roster Stability
One of the Lakers' fortes this season is the return of a battling squad from the previous year. Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino are back and healthy, contributing to the team's sense of stability. However, not all news is positive on the injury front. Jarred Vanderbilt underwent procedures on both feet during the offseason, raising concerns about his availability.
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers' General Manager, offers a cautiously optimistic outlook for Vanderbilt's recovery. "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," he commented.
The Veterans' Influence
Entering his 22nd NBA season, the 39-year-old LeBron James remains an influential figure on and off the court. Despite his age, he continues to be a critical component of Lakers' strategy, providing leadership and inspiration to the younger players, including his son.
"[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," recalls Pelinka, highlighting the competitive yet nurturing environment LeBron fosters.
Redick's Vision for the Team
As a first-time NBA head coach, JJ Redick faces a blend of challenges and opportunities. He acknowledges the unique dynamic of coaching both Jameses but emphasizes his excitement.
"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 said.
Redick and Pelinka share a vision of sustainable excellence for the Lakers. Pelinka explained, "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
The Lakers' regular season kicks off on October 22, with a home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves marking their season opener. This season, fans will be eager to see how the mix of seasoned veterans and youthful talent pans out under Redick's stewardship.
For Lakers' faithful, the blend of stability and the exciting possibility of LeBron and Bronny sharing the court brings a palpable sense of excitement and curiosity. It promises to be a season of narrative-rich basketball as the Lakers strive for excellence and continuity in the competitive landscape of the NBA.