The Los Angeles Lakers are poised for an intriguing NBA season under the guidance of their new head coach, JJ Redick. With LeBron James entering his 22nd season at the age of 39, the spotlight is not solely on the veteran star but also on his son, Bronny James, who was selected by the Lakers with the 55th pick in the second round of this year's draft.
Father-Son Duo on the Court
One of the most anticipated narratives is the potential for LeBron and Bronny James to share the court. It's a storyline that fans have fantasized about, and it seems more likely than ever. "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."
Bronny, who spent one season at USC, is expected to spend a significant amount of time in the G League. This developmental period will be crucial for him as he transitions to the professional level. Despite this, his moments on the big stage, especially with his father, could become key highlights of the Lakers' season.
New Faces, Same Core
The Lakers' roster remains largely unchanged from last season, maintaining that core continuity could be a recipe for success. New additions Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino are reportedly in good health, which could provide the team with the depth and versatility they lacked at times last year. However, Jarred Vanderbilt's health remains a concern after undergoing procedures on both feet during the offseason.
Redick expressed optimism about the roster's capability. "I don't look at it as a challenge. It's unique from any other challenge of coaching a player or coaching a relationship," he said regarding coaching Bronny. "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."
Building Sustainable Success
The Lakers' front office shares Redick's faith in long-term planning. General Manager Rob Pelinka emphasized the importance of aligning moves with a vision for sustained excellence. "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."
Pelinka also provided updates on the team's health, noting the optimism surrounding 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 said.
Season Opener Against the Timberwolves
All eyes will be on the Lakers as they tip off their regular season on October 22 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This matchup will not only be a test of the Lakers' preparedness but also a stage where the potential of the James duo on the court might be showcased. Pelinka recounted a memorable preseason moment where Bronny and LeBron found themselves head-to-head. "[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, characteristically competitive, simply remarked, "Great defense. Better O."
As the Lakers transition into the new season, the mix of veteran experience and young talent, led by Redick's fresh coaching perspective, forms a tantalizing blend. The anticipation for whether LeBron and Bronny can create memorable on-court moments together provides an additional layer of excitement for basketball fans everywhere.