Age hardly matters when LeBron James continues to defy the norms of longevity. Even in his 22nd season, the expectation remains the same. Wherever James resides, that team is supposed to compete. And while the Lakers have a great tactician in JJ Redick now at the helm, he is still only in his first year. The prize of coaching a team with a prolific tandem is no time for adjustment. But the former Duke phenom is willing to shoulder these responsibilities.

Currently, the Purple and Gold have had games that portray the brand of basketball Redick wants to play. But there are also moments when execution is lacking. The limitations arise due to the presence of the Akron Hammer although not intentionally. JJ Redick has to mold his plans around the 39-year-old due to the immense influence James tends to have even two decades in.

For any head coach, having LeBron James’ mind and production is a luxury. It remains the same for JJ Redick. But the true measure of his talents as a leader can only be monitored once the King retires according to Jeff  Teague. He believes it’s not only the expectations that wil melt, but Redick could also gain greater control on the roster.

“It would be better for him. I mean I don’t know if they will be better. Replacing LeBron is crazy but for him coaching,g there won’t be any expectations like damn we lost LeBron. We lost the greatest player to ever play that bought me a year. Yeah give me a chance to try and coach something. Y’all got to bring some players in. We in rebuild mode a little bit. Now I can talk to these dudes a little different,” he said on the Club 520 podcast. 

In terms of the space for implementing some of his schemes, JJ Redick will have the opportunity to hunt for a top-echelon player that satisfies the mold. Furthermore, without LeBron James, the media attention will drastically decrease, giving him another factor of relief. Yet, it may not eradicate the expectations levied on him.

The allure of the Lakers can’t escape with LeBron James retirement

Given, the time LeBron James decided to step away from the game, the Lakers will have to force themselves to find an identity. With the four-time MVP in the picture, his command over the game often leads to organization. Take him out of the equation and now it’s an entirely new riddle that JJ Redick has to get through.

He has solved one part of it, that to transfer the keys of the franchise over the Anthony Davis. However, aside from James, he hasn’t known a model complement, nor have the Purple and Gold have the chance to do so. So whenever James does retire or the slight chance of the Warriors trade rumors come true, Redick will have to start from scratch.

The prospect of doing so is exciting without a doubt. He gets to establish his own culture and build a roster that best suits his ideologies. But coping with the loss of LeBron James is never easy. The Cavaliers couldn’t nor could the Miami Heat. But they don’t have the pressure that comes with being the Los Angeles Lakers.

Being a royal franchise, the base expectation at the very least is to always compete for a championship. That pressure will continue to mount of JJ Redick. Hence, the patience that the franchise had with LeBron James on the roster also goes along with him. It slams the rookie head coach with the urgency to produce results.

The failure to do so quickly opens up several outcomes. The time frame to ensure his ways can pave the way for another championship conquests won’t be long. Hence, although not having LeBron James would give Redick greater flexibility, the expectations won’t change because of the allure of the Lakers badge.