Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is gearing up for his 22nd NBA season, but things feel different this time around. The Lakers have a new head coach, JJ Redick, and LeBron’s own son, Bronny James, now on the team. While this may seem like an exciting chapter for the James family, it also introduces a level of discomfort, particularly due to Redick’s coaching philosophy.
During Redick’s introductory press conference, he made it clear that he wants LeBron to continue focusing on his three-point shooting. “He shot over 40% from three this year,” Redick said, referencing LeBron’s career-high 41% shooting from beyond the arc last season. “I want him shooting 3s.”
Lebron James clarifies what Bronny should not call him in front of the team
While LeBron has proven capable of stepping up his shooting, this philosophy might put him in unfamiliar territory. After all, LeBron’s dominance has always come from his versatility – his ability to drive to the basket, facilitate plays, and control the game from all areas of the court. Shifting him more into an off-ball, catch-and-shoot role could clash with his natural playmaking instincts.
Redick, who built his career as a sharpshooter, seems eager to translate his strengths onto the team, particularly with LeBron. But there’s a risk here – pushing LeBron to focus heavily on the perimeter game may limit what he can bring to the team overall.
LeBron himself has credited his improved three-point shooting last season to healing from a foot injury that allowed him to put in extra practice time. Whether this focus on long-range shots is sustainable remains to be seen.
What Redick’s strategy means for the James family dynamic
Beyond the change in approach, the addition of Bronny James adds another wrinkle to the mix. Bronny, who was drafted by the Lakers, is expected to spend much of his first year in the G League, working under coach Zach Guthrie.
While it’s clear the Lakers have high hopes for Bronny, his presence alongside his father on the same team inevitably draws attention and adds new dynamics. LeBron, as a leader, will be balancing the challenge of supporting his son’s development with continuing his own championship pursuit.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Lakers roster remains largely unchanged, which could make LeBron feel a certain pressure. With Redick now at the helm, he may want to experiment with new rotations, including the utilization of Bronny, but the Lakers’ lack of significant offseason upgrades could weigh on LeBron’s expectations for the season. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how LeBron adjusts to Redick’s philosophy and the new chapter with his son on the team.
