Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Stephen A. Smith Claims LeBron James Could Leave The Lakers If They Don’t Draft Bronny And Hire JJ Redick
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Stephen A. Smith Claims LeBron James Could Leave The Lakers If They Don’t Draft Bronny And Hire JJ Redick

Stephen A. Smith Claims LeBron James Could Leave The Lakers If They Don’t Draft Bronny And Hire JJ Redick

Stephen A. Smith claims LeBron James wants the Lakers to draft Bronny and hire JJ Redick as coach, hinting he may leave otherwise.

Vishwesha Kumar
Jun 2, 2024
7 Min Read
Share

Credit: Fadeaway World

Stephen A. Smith, on his show ‘The Stephen A. Smith Show,’ discussed a scenario that could significantly impact the future of LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers. Smith claimed that LeBron James might consider leaving the Lakers if certain conditions are not met, specifically regarding the drafting of his son, Bronny James, and the hiring of JJ Redick as the new head coach.

“Let me tell you what else I’ve been hearing. LeBron James is trying to get the Los Angeles Lakers to draft Bronny James with the second-round pick. He’d also like for JJ Redick to be his next head coach. I’m just telling you what I’ve heard.”

“Now, that doesn’t mean the Lakers want JJ Redick, it doesn’t mean they don’t… He’s one of many, they haven’t made a finite decision about anybody yet, but LeBron has. That’s the guy he wants, which would kind of explain why they’re doing a basketball podcast together, I’m just guessing on that point, but it makes sense.” (1:50)

Smith asserted that LeBron James is eligible to sign an extension and could either stay with the Lakers or choose to go elsewhere. Reports suggest that LeBron is looking for a three-year contract extension. However, Smith revealed additional demands that LeBron allegedly has for the Lakers.

He emphasized that while these are LeBron’s preferences, it does not necessarily mean that the Lakers have made any concrete decisions regarding these matters. The Lakers are still in the process of evaluating potential candidates and have not finalized their plans for the draft or the head coaching position.

Smith further speculated on the potential reasons behind LeBron’s preferences, noting that the choice of JJ Redick might be influenced by their collaboration on a basketball podcast. This connection could explain LeBron’s interest in having Redick as the head coach, although Smith admitted this was speculative on his part.

In addition to the Lakers’ situation, Smith mentioned the possibility of other teams, like the Dallas Mavericks, drafting Bronny James to lure LeBron away from Los Angeles. This strategic move could be aimed at leveraging the father-son duo to boost the team’s performance and marketability.

LeBron’s desire to play alongside his son Bronny has been well-documented, and the idea of JJ Redick as head coach adds another layer to the potential shake-up within the Lakers organization. As the Lakers navigate these demands and evaluate their options, the future of LeBron James with the team remains uncertain. 

Whether the Lakers will meet LeBron’s conditions or risk losing him to another franchise is a critical question that could shape the upcoming NBA season.


The Lakers Should Value Anthony Davis’ Opinions About Their Next Head Coach More Than LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a pivotal juncture as they contemplate their next head coach. While LeBron James’ influence is undeniable, the franchise should prioritize Anthony Davis‘ opinions in this critical decision-making process.

LeBron James, despite his unparalleled achievements and basketball IQ, is nearing the twilight of his career. With discussions about his future often revolving around a potential two- to three-year horizon, the Lakers must acknowledge that his tenure with the team is limited. 

In contrast, Anthony Davis is under contract for a longer period and is poised to be a cornerstone of the Lakers’ future. Thus, his input should carry significant weight in shaping the team’s long-term strategy.

Anthony Davis, when healthy, is one of the most dominant players in the NBA. His versatility, defensive prowess, and offensive capabilities make him a unique asset around which the Lakers can build. 

Davis demonstrated his resilience and skill set this season by playing a career-high 76 games. This marked a significant achievement in his career, showing that he can maintain his health and be a consistent presence on the court. 

His performance was nothing short of spectacular, averaging 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game. Davis’ efficiency was also impressive, shooting 55.6% from the field and 27.1% from beyond the arc.

His efforts did not go unnoticed, as he was named to the All-NBA Second Team and earned a spot on the All-Defensive First Team. These accolades underscore his value to the Lakers and his status as one of the premier big men in the league.

As the franchise looks beyond the LeBron era, Davis is likely to be the focal point of their championship aspirations. Ensuring he is comfortable with and supportive of the head coach’s philosophy and approach is crucial for sustained success.

Moreover, a head coach who aligns with Davis’ playing style and strengths can maximize his impact on the court. Davis has faced challenges with injuries, and a coach who understands how to manage his workload while optimizing his performance is essential. Prioritizing Davis’ preferences can lead to a more cohesive and effective partnership between the coaching staff and the team’s cornerstone player.

LeBron’s legacy is secure, and his influence will always be a part of the Lakers’ history. However, as the team prepares for a future that will eventually be without him, it is prudent to consider the perspectives of the players who will define that future. By valuing Anthony Davis’ opinions about their next head coach, the Lakers can ensure that they are building a foundation for long-term success and stability.

While LeBron James’ views are important, the Lakers should give greater consideration to Anthony Davis’ insights when selecting their next head coach. This approach not only respects Davis’ long-term commitment to the franchise but also aligns with the team’s strategic goals for sustained success.

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Bronny JamesJJ RedickLeBron JamesLos Angeles Lakers Archive
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByVishwesha Kumar
Follow:
Vishwesha Kumar is a staff writer for Fadeaway World from Bengaluru, India. Graduating with a Bachelor of Technology from PES University in 2020, Vishwesha leverages his analytical skills to enhance his sports journalism, particularly in basketball. His experience includes writing over 3000 articles across respected publications such as Essentially Sports and Sportskeeda, which have established him as a prolific figure in the sports writing community.Vishwesha’s love for basketball was ignited by watching LeBron James, inspiring him to delve deeply into the nuances of the game. This personal passion translates into his writing, allowing him to connect with readers through relatable narratives and insightful analyses. He holds a unique and controversial opinion that Russell Westbrook is often underrated rather than overrated. Despite Westbrook's flaws, Vishwesha believes that his triple-double achievements and relentless athleticism are often downplayed, making him one of the most unique and electrifying players in NBA history, even if his style of play can sometimes be polarizing. 
Previous Article Dana White Picks Celtics To Win NBA Finals Over Mavericks
Next Article Caitlin Clark Not Letting WNBA Physicality Bother Her: “I’m Going To Take A Couple Of Hard Shots Again”
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Minnesota Timberwolves News & Analysis

Anthony Edwards Gets Real On Putting “Belt To A**” On Elite Players Like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Stephen Curry

October 3, 2025
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Steve Kerr Took A Page From Phil Jackson’s Book To Avoid Contract Distractions During Warriors’ Season

October 3, 2025
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Seth Curry Admits He Didn’t Want To Team Up With Stephen Curry Until Now

October 3, 2025
Sep 29, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokic (15) takes questions during media day at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Denver Nuggets News & Analysis

Nikola Jokic Remains Loyal To The Nuggets Despite Not Signing An Extension This Summer

October 3, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?