Well, it looks like JJ Redick is the man! The Los Angeles Lakers’ introductory press conference saw the former Orlando Magic star in all his finery as he took the questions like a pro. Then again, Redick has never been shy of a camera or two. And it would seem like JJ has no plans of being secretive about his vision for the franchise. A part of it, perhaps the most important aspect, was about Anthony Davis. Whichever way we look at it, ‘The Brow’ is the future of Los Angeles.

If LeBron James stays back, it will be for just another two years. If he doesn’t, well, the big man steps into the “big shoes” sooner. Davis is 31 and James is 39, nearing 40. And let’s just all agree that despite the ‘Akron Hammer’ playing like his prime, there are instances where the man looks his age. As such, the 20x All-Star must be kept fresh throughout the regular season all the way to playoffs.

With such considerations, JJ put forward his take on how he is going to maximize AD’s potential and utilize his skills going forward. “One of the things I brought up with him is the idea of him as a hub,” JJ Redick said in his introductory presser, referring to a conversation they had a week ago.

“There’s a bunch of guys at the five positions in the NBA that sort of operate in that way and I don’t know that he’s been used in that way, and sort of maximized all of his abilities. So that’s a simple thing with him.” Anthony Davis is one of the best two-way players in the league. Granted, injuries have always been in his way of showcasing his abilities. Another reason why the DPOY award keeps eluding him. However, when he is on the floor, the Lakers are better. In his five seasons with the team, Los Angeles had a record of 162-108 and averaged 114.2 points per game. Without him, the record becomes 55-64.

If we were to look at the defensive rating of the Purple & Gold with him this season, it stands at 115.4, which increases to 125.6 in his absence. Not to mention, the 9x All-Star played the most games in his career in 2023-24 with some impressive numbers. Despite it all, Los Angeles still had a lot of problems. And a major one was discontentment between the superstar and the former coach.

JJ Redick subtly hinted at taking care of Darvin Ham’s negligence with AD

Darvin Ham and his troubles with the Lakers locker room were the subject of discussion as the team kept throwing out terrible outings, one after another. It got a special spotlight, especially after the two superstars of the franchise made their stance clear. Anthony Davis, for his part, had made a bold statement after the Game 2 defeat vs Denver. Of course, Ham returned the favor with a less-biting reply. However, the takeout was clear- the 2-year Lakers’ coach’s tenure was coming to an end. With Darvin trying to experiment in a fast sinking ship that Los Angeles was this season, it was only natural that many nerves would be frayed.

Particularly when they are looking to get a ring before LeBron’s retirement or moving out. Add the IST champion’s irritation with their coach, and it was enough reason to fire Ham. After all, Anthony Davis does tend to ask for trades in situations where it doesn’t suit him. As Sam Amick of The Athletic pointed out in the Rich Eisen Show a month ago, “last thing they [LAL] wanted was for AD to be frustrated with the situation and maybe have those types [trade] of thoughts cross his mind.”

Anyway, it’s clear that any such thoughts are all sorted. For one, Rob Pelinka revealed that Davis was very involved in the hiring process of JJ Redick. Although James Borrego, because of his connection to AD from NOLA, was thought to have an advantage, it seems like the franchise and its superstar are looking at the bigger picture than any personal affiliations.

However, Redick ensured he made one thing clear in the press conference – “With any player- Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, any player on the roster, I can have a vision for how I want to use them … but if there’s no buy-in then it doesn’t really matter.” Truer words were never spoken!

With the franchise’s history of the short life of coaches, how will JJ Redick fare? Especially given that every single action, however minute it may, will be dissected under the microscope for two reasons – one, that he has no coaching experience. And two, he is part of the storied Lakers org.

Thoughts?

 But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonard Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe.

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