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via Getty

via Getty

Over the course of his career, LeBron James has constantly worked on improving his game and expanding his skill set. With that insane dedication, he has been able to stay on top of his game for 21 years. Although LeBron will turn forty next season, his podcast partner JJ Redick recently joked about the four-time champ defying all odds and possibly playing another six years. And with JJ becoming the new Lakers head coach, his vision for Bron could turn that joke into reality and help him defeat Father Time.

Addressing all the queries about the new hiring, the Lakers held an introductory presser earlier today with JJ Redick and GM Rob Pelinka facing the media. During the conference, JJ revealed how he plans on utilizing LeBron’s underrated skill, “He shot over 40% from three this year. I want him shooting threes.” Throughout his career, James has primarily scored using his cat-like quickness and insane athleticism. But as he gets older, he has added the three-point shot to his bag. Just this season, LBJ shot a career-high 41% from deep range and converted 149 shots. This could be the trend going forward, as JJ, being a sharpshooter himself, wants Bron to rely more on his jump shot than he usually does.

USA Today via Reuters

During an episode of Mind The Game last month, JJ floated a similar idea while talking about the evolution and importance of three-pointers in today’s NBA. While LeBron was considering increasing his deep range attempts to eight to ten per game, JJ jokingly proposed a new role for him, “playing another six years just being a spot-up shooter, maybe?” Although it is unlikely that LeBron will diminish his role to just a spot-up shooter, we might see him taking far more deep-range shots with JJ in charge, while also seeing his usual bursts of quickness and athleticism at times. This strategy could help him extend his career, it will be less taxing on his body due to the lack of physicality and fatigue. “It’s really just figuring out in the half court, putting him in different spots both as a scorer and a facilitator,” JJ added. However, King James was not the player that the new head coach spoke about.

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What is JJ Redick’s vision for Anthony Davis?

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While JJ made it clear that he wants LeBron to shoot more threes, he also had a new role in mind for his running mate, Anthony Davis. “The idea of him as a hub.” Although AD is the younger superstar in LA, most of the Lakers’ offense goes through LeBron. And that has not worked too well for the Lakers recently. Meanwhile, there are several teams in the league, like the Nuggets and the Sixers, that use their big men as the central pivot or driver of their offense and it has done wonders for them. With that in mind, JJ hopes to do the same with AD and wants to increase his responsibility on the floor starting next season.

Surprising everyone, AD had one of his best seasons with the Lakers this year, playing 76 games and averaging 24.7 points and nearly 13 rebounds. If he can remain healthy for the upcoming seasons and produce at the same rate, the Lakers have a strong chance of becoming title contenders again. This vision will only come true if LeBron and AD comply. “There has to be buy-in and collaboration,” JJ clarified. However, he might be able to do it because he already has the respect of LeBron James as seen on their podcast.

Redick also claimed that he had a conversation with Anthony Davis last week and they also saw eye-to-eye. Do you think JJ’s new strategy will work for the Lakers and help LeBron play till he is 45?

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Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato has to say about the alleged Shaq and Kobe Lakers beef. Keep checking this space for more such updates.