This coming season could be pivotal for the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s not only critical for their present championship aspirations but will also be a trailer for the future. Mainly, it will clear the mirror on rookie coach JJ Redick’s coaching abilities. The methodological coach is burdened with reinstating the Purple and Gold to its glory. To do so, the least he needs is both LeBron James and Anthony Davis to stay healthy. That might be tough.
Hardly getting to rest after a grueling NBA season, the Lakers tandem switched jerseys to becoming Team USA partners. Both of them had large responsibilities to shoulder. And given AD’s history with a large volume of games and James being 39, will they be prepared when the time comes? JJ Redick is certain about it, exuding emphatic confidence in them showing up to work.
“I mean look, those guys are professionals in every sense of the word. My concern for them about whether or not they will be ready to play on October 22nd and be in shape? I don’t have that concern. We are going to work with Mike and Ish making sure that they feel that they are in a great place at the start of the regular season. They’ll certainly be involved in training camp and preseason even here in September as well as preseason games,” Redick told the Lakeshow reporter.
A few seasons ago, these might have been genuine concerns. However, a lot of encouraging changes have been seen over the last season. Anthony Davis in particular played the most games in a season since joining the club, only missing six. On the other hand, LeBron James identified a design to sustain himself for a long season as he heads into his 22nd year.
In terms of natural concerns, JJ Redick seems relaxed. The Purple and Gold have a great athletic staff that will ensure their recovery is on point. Furthermore, both Davis and James are just as hungry to triumph again as the Lakers. With a new coach, revived atmosphere, and fresh spirit, they are aware of the endless potential.
As the planner behind it all, JJ Redick has previously described his own ways to ensure their availability doesn’t remain a concern.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis could switch roles?
The arrival of Anthony Davis in LA five years ago was meant for two purposes. Firstly, to capitalize on the fearsome tandem he and James could be. Next was for him to ultimately take the reigns from the King and become the linchpin. So far, it can be argued that a transition hasn’t taken place. Nor has any coach tried to implement such a courageous change. Redick is as dauntless as they come.
During his Lakers press conference, he spoke about wanting to build the entire system with Anthony Davis as the core piece. He described him as a “hub”. It’s a change the Laker Nation has been longing for, and one that AD has proved to thrive in when he did so for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Where does that leave LeBron James? Approaching 40, his game time and contributions will have to be strategically placed to extract the most output. Redick plans to do so by getting the King to do something he said he wouldn’t want to. “He shot over 40 percent from three this year. I want him shooting threes” he told Forbes Sports.
Shams Charania also revealed a vital detail of Redick’s meeting was a proposal to have the Akron Hammer play more off the ball. It could reduce the pressure he faces from defenders head-on while also allowing him to reserve his energy away from the action. With his intellect and natural flow for the game, James shouldn’t have any hiccups in becoming an off-ball threat.
Do you think it’s a system that can bring the Lakers a championship? Let us know what you think in the comments below.