Add The California Post on Google The Lakers are about to embark on a new era of basketball. They are about to begin 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 coach JJ Redick might’ve accidentally taken a shot at James when he told reporters that he believes this season’s “group is probably the first time in my three years that I feel like the pieces actually fit together.”
It’s unknown if Redick was actually taking a shot at James, but what is true is this season’s roster was constructed around acquiring 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,” Redick said. “That’s just the reality.”
Redick said he’s already spoken with players about his vision for the team, and the reception has been positive.
In July, James told the Lakers that he was leaving. He later signed a veteran minimum deal (two years $7.95 million) with the 76ers.
Rob Pelinka, team president of basketball operations and general manager, started to clean house by getting rid of veterans Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes and Luke Kennard.
As Pelinka began the reconstruction, Austin Reaves was given a max contract extension. They then went and acquired Walker Kessler through a sign-and-trade-deal with the Jazz.
With a key building block put together, the team added Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton to help with offense. Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams were brought in to help the defense.
“We have high confidence in these guys that they’re going to buy into that,” Redick 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.”
