The Lakers‘ starting lineup for next season is officially in! On The Lowe Post with Zach Lowe, JJ Redick confirmed, “It’ll be the starting five that went 23-10 last year.” Which meant that he’ll be rolling out LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura, week after week. This is a major shift from last season because Darvin Ham hesitated to put their 5 best players on the floor together, which really ended up costing them. But the community now seems energized like never before!
Darvin Ham didn’t settle on this lineup until the 44th game, and by then, the Lakers had already lost 22 games. They did finish strong with an 18-6 run after that switch and tactical adjustments, but it was too late for their playoff push. JJ Redick, on the other hand, is determined not to repeat that mistake, making sure to start with the best from the get-go. The new boss also showcased his exciting plans to build around players like Anthony Davis this season, giving him all the more responsibility and support.
JJ Redick said, “We’re gonna empower him as much as he wants to be empowered. I mean, if he wants to be first-team All-NBA and wants to be in the MVP conversation all year long, we’re gonna empower him to do that.” Last season, AD averaged just under 25 points and 13 rebounds, and with Redick’s commitment, it looks like those numbers are set to increase even more!
With players like Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes already on the Lakers squad, along with their new addition, Christian Koloko, it’ll strengthen the defense, allowing Anthony Davis to unleash his offensive game. And with JJ Redick shaking things up, they’re all set for an exciting season! Former Laker, Patrick Beverley wrote on X, “JJ getting roles in order asap. Don’t [sleep] on him. He gonna get it done,” this really sums up the community’s buzz around the team’s Championship ambition in LeBron’s final years.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 22, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) reacts after the Lakers were called for a kicked ball against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
JJ Redick’s push to empower Anthony Davis and his confidence behind the revamped lineup has fans hyped. But even with all this excitement, it looks like we won’t be seeing a once-in-a-lifetime record in the NBA break anytime soon.
“It’s going to happen sooner rather than later” – JJ Redick on playing Bronny
JJ Redick emphasized that the main goal is for Bronny to develop his skills rather than chasing immediate success or jumping straight into the high stakes. When discussions about sending him to the G-League came up, many saw it as a step back in LeBron‘s son’s career. But JJ brings a fresh perspective, viewing the South Bay Lakers as more than just a separate league; he sees them as a crucial part of the Lakers family. By calling it an “extension” of the Purple and Gold, he stresses that it offers a real chance for Bronny to learn and hone his game.
In his recent discussion with Zach Lowe, JJ Redick confirmed that Bronny James would spend considerable time in the G-League but did not specify when he would actually play in the NBA. “In terms of ‘that moment’, yeah, we’ve talked about it and we’ve thought about it. We’ll get it done. I don’t want to commit to anything right know you know. That’s going to happen. It’s going to happen sooner rather than later,” the head coach revealed.
So, it seems like Bronny and LeBron James’ historic father-son moment is on hold until he’s truly ready to hit the NBA hardwood. Fans are buzzing with hope that it won’t be long before this epic moment happens. Thoughts? Drop ’em below.
Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.
Debate
Is JJ Redick underestimating Anthony Davis? Can AD prove his critics wrong this season?