New Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick appeared on the Lowe Podcast to announce his starting lineup for the upcoming NBA season. Redick, a former player now transitioning to coaching, will lead the Lakers as they aim to secure their 18th championship.
Lakers’ Starting Five
Redick’s starting five includes LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura. This group of players, who started together in 24 games last season and posted an impressive 18-6 record, reflects Redick’s thorough analysis of the team’s dynamics and strengths.
Balancing the Load for LeBron
With LeBron James turning 40 this year, Redick’s lineup seems designed to alleviate some of the physical demands on the Lakers’ star. The inclusion of ball handlers like Russell and Reaves allows James to play more off the ball, enabling him to focus on scoring and facilitating in specific areas. Redick highlighted LeBron’s versatility, saying, “LeBron is one of the smartest players, and I think using him as a screener and finding ways to get him the ball in specific spots on the floor where he can be a facilitator and scorer—that’s what I mean by being off the ball.”
Defensive Adjustments
While the starting lineup offers offensive balance, Redick acknowledged potential challenges on defense. Neither Russell nor Reaves is known for perimeter defense, which means Anthony Davis may take on an even more prominent role on the defensive end, likely playing at center to anchor the team.
Looking Ahead
Redick noted that while this is his ideal starting lineup, changes might occur during the season due to injuries, trades, or other adjustments. For now, however, this core group represents the best shot at bringing another title to the purple and gold.
