The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for the upcoming NBA season with a mix of familiar faces and new dynamics under their fresh head coach, JJ Redick. This season carries special significance as LeBron James, the ageless superstar entering his 22nd season at 39 years old, may have the rare opportunity to share the court with his son, Bronny James.
Bronny's Journey to the Lakers
Bronny James, who played a season at USC, was selected by the Lakers with the 55th pick in the second round. Expectations are that Bronny will spend a considerable amount of time in the G League, honing his skills and gaining experience. However, the possibility of the father-son duo playing together in regular-season games has captured the imagination of the basketball world.
"We obviously have talked about it as a staff and we've gotten into some specifics of what that might look like. But we haven't committed to anything. And obviously, there's a discussion to be had once we're all together with Bronny and LeBron, too," JJ Redick mentioned. "They should be a part of that discussion as well."
Season Preparations and Expectations
As the Lakers prepare for their season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22, the roster remains largely unchanged from last season. This stability could prove advantageous, especially with key players like Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino in good health. However, there are some lingering concerns, particularly regarding Jarred Vanderbilt, who underwent procedures on both feet during the offseason.
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers' general manager, expressed optimism about the team's health and readiness. "We have a lot of optimism that when the real games start, he'll be available. Between now and then, there is still about a month, and there are a lot of ramp-up steps that need to go well, so hopefully there won't be setbacks," he stated.
The Dynamics of Coaching Bronny
JJ Redick's role as the new head coach adds another layer to the Lakers' season narrative. His relationship with Bronny James is unique and filled with potential. "I don't look at it as a challenge. It's unique from any other challenge of coaching a player or coaching a relationship. Bronny, I feel very fortunate that I get to coach him because he's young and he's hungry, and he's got a lot of inherent skill sets that we can really mold into a really good NBA player," Redick commented.
Rob Pelinka emphasized the importance of a long-term vision for the franchise. "I think the philosophy that JJ and I are aligned on is we want to build sustainable Lakers excellence. And I think, when we talk about moves, you can make a move that backfires. I think every GM has made a trade where he says, 'Maybe that one wasn't ideal.' But every lens that we look through has to lead to sustainable Lakers excellence."
LeBron and Bronny: A Momentous Possibility
The narrative of LeBron and Bronny possibly sharing the court has already created some memorable moments. In one practice session, Bronny found himself defending against his legendary father. "Bronny got switched onto LeBron, and LeBron took him baseline, up and under off the glass. The words exchanged afterward were probably more challenging than anything else," Pelinka shared.
LeBron himself humorously summed up the interaction, "Great defense. Better offense."
The prospect of seeing LeBron and Bronny play together represents more than a heartwarming family story. It underscores the remarkable journey of LeBron James, who remains a significant force in the NBA, and the emerging talent of Bronny, who carries the potential to carve his own legacy in the league.
As the Lakers embark on their 2023-2024 season, the mixture of seasoned experience and fresh talent under the strategic vision of JJ Redick holds promise. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, captivated by the possibility of witnessing a historic father-son collaboration on the court and the unfolding of a new chapter in Lakers' history.