The main aim behind Bronny James’ rookie season has always been development. That word was reiterated by rookie HC JJ Redick during the press conference. Talks about going to the G-League began surfacing due to the information. Most view going to the affiliate league of the NBA as a downgrade. Not Redick. The former Clippers guard considers the South Bay Lakers as an “extension” of the Purple and Gold.

In his talks with Zach Lowe recently, he confirmed the teenager would spend considerable time in the G-League. Furthermore, the integration of Zach Guthrie was done with the intention of molding the young players available on the G-League roster. At just 19, James has ample time to develop and polish his highly regarded skills. Redick too is “very high” on him as a prospect and views him as the Lakers’ maiden growth project.

“I think Bronny is a young guy. I am very high on him as a basketball player and I said this at his press conference I said he is kinda like our first player that we get to mold and help develop. So we’re going to look at the G-League as a tool in our player development system,” Redick explained.

It highlighted the possibility of the historic moment everyone is waiting for. LeBron James and his eldest to stand as teammates is a sight no sport has ever come to witness. The only given is that it will occur. Previously, people have suspected it being on opening night. Internally though, those discussions are yet to be had. It has been a floating issue, however, JJ Redick doesn’t consider fixing an exact timeline as a priority. But it will be “sooner”.

“Yeah, we’ve talked 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,” he said on the Zach Lowe Podcast.

It’s vital that before Bronny James does set up NBA hardwood, he is prepared for the gravitas of the moment. The Lakers aren’t looking to rush anything. The utmost concern is to bring the team back into the competitive landscape. However, while they are showing patience with the USC product, hiring Redick didn’t take much pondering.

JJ Redick and LeBron James saw eye to eye instantly

After the firing of Darvin Ham, any and every renowned NBA coach seemed to be in line to take on the Los Angeles Lakers challenge. Several names met up with the management. But in March, when LeBron James and Redick began their podcast, the murmurs of him being the next head coach began.

The nature of the podcast was also as such. It seemed to be LeBron James’ way of testing the former sharpshooter’s ideologies and game sense. But it was never a job interview. In his talks with Lowe, Redick revealed the Lakers didn’t approach him until June. Precisely at that time, their podcast stopped.

He found out while having lunch with his dad. And in that moment, he felt right to consult the Lakers’ marquee star and his podcast partner LeBron James. The conversation though wasn’t long.

“I said Dad I got to go make one phone call real quick. And it was a phone call with LeBron. And that was the first time we had talked about the possibility of me coaching the Lakers and of course, I informed him that there was an offer made. We had a 15-minute phone conversation, I hung up the phone and I went back to my dad,” Redick detailed.

Just like Bronny James, Redick has a large mass of people anxious to see how he fairs out as a head coach. He has never had any previous experience and his prior ties with LeBron James have left a certain mark. For him personally, he too is looking to develop not only a fit roster but also himself and his management skills.

It’s not easy to work with two of the acclaimed players of this generation as a first-time head coach. Becoming the authoritative voice in the locker room and getting everyone on the same page will be a challenge Redick is excited to overcome. In many ways, he is as young and raw as Bronny James. Can they spark something magical together? We will find out soon.