Lakers coach JJ Redick clarifies stance on LeBron James’ role under his system

JJ Redick outlined the plans he had for LeBron James for the upcoming season. With the seasoned veteran returning for another edition, the new head coach had his ideas on maximizing what the superstar has to offer as he continues his extended prime in the league.

Speaking to ESPN insider Zach Lowe on his ‘The Lowe Podcast’, Redick shed light on the plans he had for James under his system.

“I think when people hear that in regards to LeBron playing off the ball, it’s doesn’t mean he’s not gonna have the ball,” Redick said. “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.

“I don’t mean LeBron is gonna walk the ball up and get ball pressure at 94 feet and run a high pick-and-roll every time. That’s not how we’re gonna play.”

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He further added that there would be decent ball movement and that the hope would be for the shot profile to improve, including taking more attempts from beyond the arc.

“I think from a possession standpoint, one of the margins this team created last year and historically with this group has been free throws. Outside of that, there hasn’t been a lot of margin creation so we’re gonna try to create some margins.”

Earlier, JJ Redick had outlined his plans for LeBron James in the upcoming season had he decided to return. The 4x NBA champion ended his season averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds while shooting 41.0% of his 3s.

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer recently wrapped up another stellar season with per-game averages of 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds. He also connected on a career-high 41.0 percent of his three-pointers. Now with James back within the fold for another season and working with a sharpshooter head coach, expect more shots from downtown while also being a facilitator.

JJ Redick confirms the LeBron James-led Lakers lineup ahead of upcoming season

In the same podcast, JJ Redick revealed the Lakers lineup ahead of the upcoming season. The starting five of D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Anthony Davis saw LA make a healthy run, and Redick confirmed that would be their starting five.

“Yeah, it’ll be the starting five that went 23-10 last year.”

This starting lineup would also mean a second-string lineup featuring Gabe Vincent, Max Christie, Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood, Dalton Knecht, and Jarred Vanderbilt. The last name does come as a bit of a concern though, as the power forward continues to recover from his foot surgery and, along with Wood, is expected to miss the first few games of the season.

JJ Redick’s maiden stint as LA’s head coach promises to be intriguing. The success, however, remains to be seen.