LeBron Steps Back, Lakers Surge Forward: JJ Redick’s Bold Move Redefines L.A. Basketball

When JJ Redick stepped into his role as the Los Angeles Lakers’ head coach this summer, he wasted no time identifying the cornerstone of his game plan. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the legendary LeBron James, whose storied career has defined basketball for nearly two decades.

Instead, Redick focused on another dominant force on the roster—a two-way phenom whose presence in the paint could dictate games with his defensive prowess, rebounding tenacity, and thunderous dunks.

Redick’s strategy marked a bold departure from the LeBron-centric style that had defined the Lakers for years. By reassigning ball-handling duties and empowering younger, more dynamic playmakers, Redick minimized LeBron’s role as a floor general.

This shift allowed the team to operate at a faster pace, maximizing its athleticism and depth. The result? A revitalized Lakers squad, off to a blazing start, proving that sometimes even the greatest players need to step aside for the greater good of the team.