THE The Los Angeles Lakers surprised a lot of people this offseason when They have chosen JJ Redick to be their next head coach. As the season draws closer, the longtime NBA veteran and former ESPN analyst prepares to lead LeBron James and the Lakers in 2024-25.
Redick wasted no time in assembling an experienced coaching staff of former NBA head coaches, bringing in former Thunder and Wizards coach Scott Brooks and a four-time NBA head coach in Nate McMillan. On Friday, Redick open about what he looks for in his staff when he speaks to Spectrum SportsNet.
“The biggest thing for me was making sure I had a bunch of sick guys on my team,” Redick said. “And I think I did that… Yeah, they’re crazy guys.”
The Lakers are looking for a new answer as LeBron James’ career turns and they feel like they’ve underachieved in recent seasons since winning the 2020 NBA Finals in the bubble. Redick will look to be a difference-maker for the Lakers as they attempt to return to the NBA Finals in 2025.
What are realistic expectations for the Lakers in 2024-25?
Some found it controversial that the Lakers decided to go back to 2024-25 after a first-round elimination in five games against the Denver Nuggets Last season, Los Angeles addressed a crucial shooting need by adding Dalton Knecht with the 17th overall pick in the NBA draft, but most of the roster outside of the former Tennessee star remains the same.
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The Lakers’ regular-season potential largely depends on their depth. Can they survive two weeks if necessary without the injury-prone Anthony Davis, who is coming off one of his best seasons? Can they stay afloat if LeBron James has to rest for a game here and there? In the past, Los Angeles has struggled so much with James on the bench that he’s had to play a lot of regular-season minutes.
At first glance, it doesn’t seem like those concerns have been addressed. D’Angelo Russell still figures to be the team’s second-string point guard behind James, and while he can be an effective scorer at times, he’s too hot and cold to be reliable over an 82-game season. Austin Reaves also took a step back last season after a breakout in 2022-23, so he’ll need to get back on track as well.
All of these issues will likely lead to the Lakers losing more regular season games than they would like as they try to keep James and Davis healthy. While they are a dangerous team in the playoffs, a lower position will likely give them a tough road ahead in the postseason that will be too much to overcome.
