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Historic Duo in the Making
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick is already contemplating the potential of LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, becoming the first father-son duo in NBA history to play together. While the moment could occur this season, Redick emphasized that both LeBron and Bronny will be involved in planning when and how this landmark event takes place.
During a joint press conference with Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka, Redick revealed that the coaching staff has already discussed some details but has yet to finalize any plans. “There’s still a conversation to be had with LeBron and Bronny. They should be a part of that discussion as well,” Redick said. LeBron, now entering his 22nd season at age 39, and Bronny, 19, who was drafted 55th overall after one season at USC, could soon share the court, creating a historic moment in the sport.
Though the NBA regular season begins on October 22, with the Lakers hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team has already seen some glimpses of the James family dynamic in a practice facility pickup game. Pelinka described a moment where LeBron outplayed Bronny with a baseline move, leading to some friendly banter between the two. LeBron later shared the exchange on social media, playfully saying, “Great defense. Better O.”
Coaching Challenges and Opportunities
For Redick, managing the relationship between LeBron and Bronny is not seen as a challenge but an opportunity. Entering his first season as head coach after a successful media career, Redick expressed enthusiasm about coaching Bronny. “I feel very fortunate that I get to coach him. He’s young, hungry, and has the skills we can mold into a great NBA player. He’s extremely coachable with the right energy every day,” Redick remarked.
While the idea of balancing LeBron and Bronny on the court excites fans, Redick’s greater concern is maintaining the team’s competitiveness in the tough Western Conference. The Lakers aim to improve from last season, where they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs as the No. 7 seed. Despite this, the roster remains largely unchanged, posing a challenge for Redick and his coaching staff as they work to keep pace with top contenders.
Pelinka remains optimistic about the team’s potential growth, with new players like Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino recovering from injuries and expected to be ready for training camp. However, injuries continue to affect the team, with Jarred Vanderbilt recovering from offseason foot surgeries and backup center Christian Wood still sidelined after a knee procedure.
Strategic Moves and Season Outlook
As the Lakers prepare for the new season, Pelinka emphasized the importance of internal development, particularly from key rotation players Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura. These players, along with superstars LeBron and Anthony Davis, are expected to carry the team. Redick confirmed that the lineup that finished last season with a strong 23-10 record—featuring James, Davis, Reaves, Russell, and Hachimura—will remain the starting group for now.
In terms of roster adjustments, Pelinka noted the Lakers are open to making trades to improve their squad, though he stressed the importance of long-term success. “We want to build sustainable Lakers excellence,” Pelinka said, indicating that any future trade decisions will be made with an eye toward maintaining the team’s competitive standing for years to come. As the Lakers look ahead, both Redick and Pelinka remain confident in the team’s ability to perform at a high level.
