The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for the new NBA season with a sense of anticipation and renewed energy. Under the fresh leadership of head coach JJ Redick, the team looks forward to both continuity and some intriguing new dynamics. Among the many storylines, one stands out: the possibility of LeBron James playing alongside his son, Bronny James.
Father-Son Duo: A Unique Dynamic
Selected with the 55th pick in the second round, Bronny James is set to bring his talents to the Lakers after playing one season at USC. While his journey in the NBA is just beginning, it's expected that he will spend a considerable amount of time in the G League to further hone his skills. However, the prospect of him sharing the court with his father is something fans and the team alike are excited about. According to head coach JJ Redick, there have been discussions about how this father-son duo could integrate on the court. "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," Redick remarked.
Roster Updates and Health Concerns
Returning with a roster largely intact from last season, the Lakers are counting on the health and availability of key players to make a significant impact. Gabe Vincent and Jalen-Hood Schifino are reported to be in good health, an encouraging sign as the team prepares for its season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22.
One area of concern, however, remains Jarred Vanderbilt's health. After undergoing procedures on both feet during the offseason, Vanderbilt's readiness for the regular season is still in question. Rob Pelinka, the Lakers' General Manager, expressed cautious optimism about his 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."
LeBron's Longevity and Leadership
LeBron James, now entering his remarkable 22nd NBA season at the age of 39, remains the cornerstone of the Lakers' aspirations. His leadership, experience, and still-impressive skill set make him an invaluable asset. Reflecting on a recent practice session where father and son went head-to-head, Pelinka shared an amusing anecdote: "[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 himself commented on the moment, simply stating, "Great defense. Better O."
Redick's Coaching Philosophy
JJ Redick's transition from player to head coach brings a refreshing perspective to the Lakers' bench. He spoke about the unique but exhilarating challenge of coaching Bronny, emphasizing the young player's potential: "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 and Pelinka share a common vision for the team's future—it’s one rooted in sustainability and excellence. Pelinka encapsulated their philosophy concisely: "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."
As the Lakers inch closer to the start of the regular season, the buzz around the Staples Center is palpable. With a blend of veteran leadership, young talent, and a promising new coach, the team seems poised for an intriguing and hopeful campaign. The added narrative of LeBron and Bronny possibly sharing the court only heightens the anticipation for what promises to be a memorable season.