LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers’ star, appears to have played no role in the team’s choice to employ JJ Redick as head coach. Given his previous hands-on approach, this comes as a surprise.
However, King James wanted the Lakers to do what was best for the organisation in the long run. That is, once he retires.
The apparent backdrop here is James’ contract option for the following season. He is almost certain to decline the option and might enter NBA free agency. While James is certain to return to the Lakers, it is no secret that he is looking for upgrades to a squad that isn’t championship-caliber.
During his initial news conference, Redick was asked about his thoughts on the Lakers’ roster. He is certain that they can fight for a championship.
This apparently didn’t sit well with James or fellow Lakers player Anthony Davis.
Sam Amick of The Athletic had this to say about Jovan Buha’s recent podcast on Tuesday. It’s quite interesting stuff.
“My understanding is that they (James and Davis) seem to see things differently,” Amick said. “They just want to know that the franchise is pushing as hard as possible to get something done.”
The conversation centred on Donovan Mitchell, Dejounte Murray, Mikal Bridges, and Zach LaVine, who were discussed as potential James targets. Bridges is no longer a viable option now that he has signed with the New York Knicks.
But the overall point remains.
Could we already see a schism between LeBron James and JJ Redick in Los Angeles?
LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers star
Let us put things into perspective. Redick has been in the media since he resigned from the NBA in 2021. He understands how to play the game. Showing desperation with NBA free agency and the offseason getting underway is not the best strategy.
But his words were quite clear during Monday’s introduction press conference.
“I don’t look at the current roster as being that far off from a championship-caliber team,” Redick told the crowd.
Los Angeles advanced from the NBA Play-In Tournament this season, but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets.
Aside from James and Davis, this squad is relatively thin. D’Angelo Russell struggled with consistency. In addition, he may depart in free agency. Austin Reaves’ output dropped after a stellar 2022-23 season. Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish, and Christian Wood were newcomers who contributed little.
Regardless of what Redick said in his news conference, the Lakers’ brass must believe that an upgrade is necessary this summer. Finding backcourt help in the form of a third star would be excellent.
The Lakers continue to be linked to some of the biggest names on the trade block. They have Reaves, several first-round selections, and salary cap space to assist a trade.
It remains to be seen whether general manager Rob Pelinka and his team will go all-in for King James. Los Angeles’ executives have opted against this at the previous two NBA trade deadlines.
A continuation of this mental process could result in a greater schism between LeBron and the Lakers. It’s not ideal with James having the chance to enter NBA free agency and maybe leave for another circumstance.
Then again, James is a veteran. He is also fully aware of how to play the leverage game. Don’t believe for a second that leaks to the media aren’t part of the game.
