The Los Angeles Lakers are about to embark on a new era of basketball, as they are set to endure a full season without LeBron James as a member of the roster for the first time in eight years.
During Thursday’s media availability, Lakers head coach JJ Reddick might’ve accidentally taken a shot at James when he told reporters that he believes this year’s “group is probably the first time in my three years that I feel like the pieces actually fit together.”
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Reddick accidentally shades LeBron James during Thursday’s media availability. X/@ohnohedidnt24
It’s unknown if Reddick was actually taking a shot at James or not, but what is true is this year’s roster was constructed around creating role players to play alongside Luka Doncic, whereas in the past it was constructed to fit around James.
“There is a very clear ask for you to be able to play. And if you don’t do those things, then you’re not gonna play,” Reddick said. “That’s just the reality.”
Reddick went on to say that he’s already spoken with players on the roster about his vision for the team, and the reception has been positive.
LeBron James playing in an NBA game for the Los Angeles Lakers. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
In July, the Lakers were informed by James that he would be departing from the team — to which he would later go and sign a veteran minimum, two-year $7.95 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Team President of basketball operations and general manager, Rob Pelinka, started to clean house by getting rid of veterans like Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, and Luke Kennard.
Luka Doncic making a defender miss during an NBA game against the New York Knicks. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
As he began the reconstruction process, Austin Reaves was handed out a max contract extension. They then went and acquired Walker Kessler through a sign-and-trade-deal with the Utah Jazz.
With a key building block put together, the team went and added Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton to help with offense, while Matisse Thybulle and Ziarie Williams were brought in to help the defense.
“We have high confidence in these guys that they’re going to buy into that, “Reddick said. “It’s going to create naturally healthy competition, and everybody at some point will inevitably get a chance to impact our team and impact winning.”
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