JJ Redick-led Lakers training camp vibes different compared to that of LA's two previous coaches: Report
The LA Lakers' training camp started soon after their Media Day duties. The squad trained under new coach JJ Redick, and one of the observations was the vibe at the practice facility. Jovan Buha, the Lakers beat writer for The Athletic, spoke about how the mood during practice was a stark contrast to that of how it was during the Frank Vogel and Darvin Ham regime.
Speaking on his podcast, Buha's Block, the reporter mentioned the vibe. Earlier, the Lakers made headlines for having a DJ play tunes during practice, and the insider weighed in on it.
Buha said the vibes in the Purple and Gold were at an "all-time high." He further added that in his five seasons of covering the side, the energy was different from what he saw in the last four years, referring to Vogel and Ham's time as coaches. He noted that the practice, though just Day 1, was intense with old-school and modern rap blaring from the speakers.
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He also said that the Lakers players were practicing at an NBA-level speed, an uncommon occurrence as teams usually look at heating up gradually by the session. Buha's observations suggest that LA is moving into a different approach toward the season, and it's interesting to see how the next month pans out as the Lakers begin their preseason soon.
JJ Redick names Lakers' Starting 5 ahead of training camp
In what Buha noted as a transparent approach by JJ Redick, the LA head coach named the team's starting unit well ahead of training camp.
In his previous podcast appearance with Zach Lowe, the 40-year-old said that he would go with the combination of starting D'Angelo Russell as the point guard, and Austin Reaves as shooting guard. LeBron James and Rui Hachimura form the frontcourt with Anthony Davis at the five.
The group went 23-10 last season, and with Redick's plans for each of his starters, there should be a visible change in their style of play. The question for the Lakers now would be whether the lineup will fare and adjust with the common factors that affect teams throughout the season — injuries, trades and matchup moves.
For now, it looks like LA is a confident unit running it back banking on chemistry and its key stars in James and Davis. Only time will tell if the outfit can make another deeper run.