The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for what promises to be an intriguing NBA season, and this year brings a series of compelling storylines to the forefront. Under the leadership of their newly appointed head coach, JJ Redick, the storied franchise is set to embark on a season filled with both renewed optimism and familiar faces.
New Leadership at the Helm
JJ Redick, who steps into the role of head coach, appears poised to bring fresh ideas and a dynamic approach to the Lakers. Redick is certainly not shying away from the challenges that come with managing a team of this caliber, particularly when it involves navigating the complexities of coaching a father-son duo in LeBron James and Bronny James.
“We obviously have talked about it as a staff and we’ve gotten into some specifics of what that might look like,” Redick said regarding the potential of LeBron and Bronny playing together. “But we haven’t committed to anything. And obviously, there’s a discussion to be had once we’re all together with Bronny and LeBron, too. They should be a part of that discussion as well.”
The Historic Opportunity
The prospect of LeBron James, who is entering his 22nd NBA season, playing alongside his son Bronny adds a layer of historical significance to this year's campaign. Selected by the Lakers with the 55th pick in the second round, Bronny comes into the league with a season at USC under his belt and significant expectations resting on his young shoulders.
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers' General Manager, offered a snapshot of a memorable moment between father and son during practice. “[Bronny] got switched onto LeBron, and LeBron took him baseline, up and under off the glass. The words exchanged afterward were probably more challenging than anything else,” Pelinka recounted.
A Balancing Act for Bronny
Though Bronny is expected to spend considerable time in the G League, the Lakers' leadership is optimistic about his growth and integration into the team. Redick expressed his enthusiasm for coaching the young talent. “I don’t look at it as a challenge. It’s unique from any other challenge of coaching a player or coaching a relationship. Bronny, I feel very fortunate that I get to coach him because he’s young and he’s hungry, and he’s got a lot of inherent skillsets that we can really mold into a really good NBA player,” he stated.
Health Concerns and Roster Stability
While the Lakers’ roster remains largely unchanged from last season, there are some health concerns that could impact the team's dynamics. Jarred Vanderbilt underwent procedures on both feet during the offseason, which leaves doubts about his readiness for the regular season. Conversely, Gabe Vincent and Jalen-Hood Schifino are reported to be in good health.
Rob Pelinka shared a cautiously optimistic view about Vanderbilt’s rehabilitation. “We have a lot of optimism that when the real games start, he’ll be available. Between now and then, there is still about a month, and there are a lot of ramp-up steps that need to go well, so hopefully there won’t be setbacks,” Pelinka said.
Sustainable Excellence
Another area of focus for the Lakers this season is the philosophy of building a sustainable and consistently excellent team. Pelinka highlighted this approach, emphasizing the importance of long-term success over short-term gains. “I think the philosophy that JJ and I are aligned on is we want to build sustainable Lakers excellence. And I think, when we talk about moves, you can make a move that backfires. I think every GM has made a trade where he says, ‘Maybe that one wasn’t ideal.’ But every lens that we look through has to lead to sustainable Lakers excellence,” he explained.
Season Opener
The Lakers are set to begin their regular season on October 22, with their season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. As LeBron James, now 39 years old, continues to defy age and expectations, the blend of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance could make for a thrilling season.
Whether it’s the potential on-court chemistry between LeBron and Bronny, the strategic guidance under JJ Redick, or the team’s collective ambition for greatness, the 2023-24 NBA season for the Lakers is shaping up to be a fascinating journey worthy of close attention.