The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a significant NBA season under the leadership of their new head coach, JJ Redick. With a mix of seasoned talent and promising young players, the team is poised to make waves in the upcoming season.
The LeBron and Bronny Storyline
One of the most compelling narratives surrounding the Lakers this season is the potential on-court partnership of LeBron James and his son, Bronny James. With Bronny being selected by the Lakers as the 55th pick in the second round, the possibility of father and son sharing the court is closer than ever. However, this unique dynamic is still under consideration.
"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," JJ Redick noted. "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."
Bronny’s Path Ahead
Bronny James, who spent a season playing at USC, is expected to spend a significant amount of time in the G League. Despite this, his inherent talents haven't gone unnoticed. "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," said Redick. The initial time in the G League could serve as a foundational period for Bronny, preparing him for future contributions to the Lakers.
Challenges and Optimism
The Lakers' roster remains largely unchanged from last season, though there are a few notable points of health and recovery to watch. Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino are both healthy and ready for the season. However, Jarred Vanderbilt's condition is a concern after undergoing procedures on both feet during the offseason.
Team General Manager Rob Pelinka expressed optimism about the team's readiness. "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.
Philosophy and Strategy
Under the management of Pelinka and the strategic guidance of Redick, the Lakers are focusing on sustained excellence. "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."
The Road Ahead
The Lakers' regular season is set to commence on October 22, with their opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. As LeBron James enters his 22nd NBA season at 39 years old, all eyes will be on the Lakers as they navigate this potentially historic chapter in their storied franchise history.
Offseason highlights include glimpses of intense practice sessions, where LeBron's competitive spirit remains undimmed. Rob Pelinka recounted an interaction between the king and his heir apparent, "[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." To which LeBron himself acknowledged, "Great defense. Better O."
As the commencement of the season draws near, the narrative of the Lakers is one both of heritage and future promise, spearheaded by the basketball genius of JJ Redick and the continued prowess of LeBron James. Whether Bronny will take to the court alongside his father in official games is yet to be confirmed, but the excitement and hope surrounding the Lakers camp are undeniably palpable.