LeBron James addressed his influence on the Lakers and their decision to hire JJ Redick as head coach. While speaking to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, LeBron noted that he wanted the Lakers to make the best decision for the long-term health and future of the franchise. He added that the decision had to be the right one for the years after he calls time on his career.
“I wanted the Lakers, as a player and as a fan of the franchise, to be able to hire the coach that should be there. Not only as I’m finishing my career, but long after I’m gone because there’s been so many guys in that seat over the last few years.”
“And to be able to find someone that could be stable in that position is very key for any franchise. And for me to be a part of a legacy franchise, I feel like that was important.”
It had been speculated greatly that LeBron James played a big part in the Lakers’ decision to hire JJ Redick. However, Brian Windhorst had noted throughout the head coach hunt for the Lakers that James was not involved in the Lakers’ hunt, and that the decision wouldn’t involve direct input from James.
The Lakers chose to hire Redick after their hunt for UConn head coach Dan Hurley spurned them. Redick, who has never had a coaching job of any kind, not just in the NBA, but in basketball, is an unproven commodity, and many believe that he will have a challenge on his hands with what is considered to be the most scrutinized position in the NBA.
LeBron James Addresses His NBA Future
During the Lakers media day, LeBron James also addressed his future in the NBA, saying that he hasn’t necessarily considered what his career trajectory looks like at this time, but that he feels energized after the Olympics, and getting to play with Bronny James.
“I haven’t thought about what the future holds, just kind of living in the moment. Especially with Bronny being here, I don’t want to take this moment for granted. This is a moment I’ll enjoy maybe a little bit more… I feel good physically. Mentally I feel sharp.”
James is entering his 22nd NBA season, and despite turning 40 this season, he is still one of the best players in the world. Last season, he showed his worth to the Lakers, averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds.
James then further proved just how good he still is with his performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he led Team USA to the gold medal, and was named the Olympics MVP for his performances.
LeBron James will be hoping the run with the Lakers this season will be strong, as they look to bounce back after a disappointing season last year, where they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, and didn’t really pose much of a challenge to the Nuggets.
Can the Lakers be contenders next season? On paper, they have a decent roster, albeit because of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But the rest of the squad has to deliver if they want to have a strong performance next year.
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