Embracing a New Challenge

At precisely 1:23 p.m., seven minutes earlier than expected, former NBA player JJ Redick paused to gather his thoughts. He was about to discuss how his past experiences with world-class players had readied him to coach LeBron James, the NBA’s highest-scoring player of all time, during the likely twilight of his career.

It was Redick’s inaugural day as NBA head coach, a role he took seriously. He was seated under the same basket where James had been practicing with his son, Bronny James, only minutes before. Redick was contemplating how to best utilize the remaining years of James’ tenure with the Lakers.

Respecting the Past, Embracing the Future

Redick and James, both 40, are at distinct stages of their lives and careers, but they share a common bond as fathers. Redick expressed his awe at seeing James in the NBA, practicing with his son, creating a scenario that seemed almost surreal.

Redick’s task is to quickly establish an environment of structure and accountability, elements that sources reveal James had been missing under the Lakers’ previous leadership. Redick’s day starts early with weight and conditioning training, followed by classroom sessions for younger players, and practice at 11 a.m., with new concepts and systems introduced daily.

Redick’s intentionality extends to every aspect of the team’s activities and his own actions and words. The objective is clear: to maximize LeBron James’ final years in the NBA, while circumventing the painful lessons from the past when Lakers’ legend Kobe Bryant ended his career with three seasons marred by injuries and few opportunities to win.

Learning from the Past

One of the reasons James chose the Lakers in 2018 was the level of care they exhibited during Bryant’s final seasons. James admired both the iconic status of the franchise and the respect they showed their legendary players.

Bryant, at the age of 34, had suffered an Achilles tendon injury that hastened his physical decline. Despite Bryant’s efforts to bolster the team around him in his last few seasons, the Lakers failed to secure any of his targeted players. Bryant ended his career playing with teammates who were just infants when he started in the league.

Rob Pelinka, the Lakers vice president of operations and a former agent for Bryant, found himself at a similar crossroads with James. Like Bryant, James expressed a desire to finish his career with the Lakers, and willing to recruit free agents to assist in this endeavor.

Building a Winning Environment

Pelinka sought advice from former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski on how to tackle the situation. Krzyzewski, who had a close relationship with both James and Redick, highlighted the similarities in their personal styles and way of thinking. He believed Redick’s organized and thoughtful approach would blend well with James and Pelinka, especially given the high-pressure environment they were entering.

Pelinka, despite enduring harsh criticism during his five-year tenure, remains committed to leading the Lakers and managing a superstar like James. His belief is that enduring the trials of leading a franchise like the Lakers is easier when you have a solid partner.

A New Chapter Begins

Redick was present when the Lakers made history by drafting Bronny James. As the team prepares for its first pre-season game, there’s a chance that LeBron and Bronny will play together, a prospect that excites Anthony Davis. Davis describes the joy and appreciation LeBron feels at the prospect of playing with his son, a feat no one else has achieved.

However, the significance of this moment doesn’t overshadow the pressure of expectations. The franchise’s 17 Larry O’Brien trophies and retired jerseys hang overhead, a constant reminder of the Lakers’ storied past and the legacy they aspire to uphold. But through it all, the joy of watching LeBron and Bronny together on the court shines through, marking a new chapter in Lakers’ history.