LeBron James endorses Lakers coach JJ Redick's 'odd' plea
LeBron James came to JJ Redick's defense after the LA Lakers coach asked the NBA to change the basketball they use for regular-season games. The former sharpshooter made a case to play with worn-in basketball instead of brand new, mentioning the different feel that players have with a used ball and a new one.
"I'm not sure why we're playing in real games ... I'm being dead serious ... I'm not sure why we're playing in real games with brand new basketballs. Anybody who's ever touched an NBA ball brand new, it's a different feel and touch than a worn-in basketball. ... Give the guys the opportunity to pick a good basketball. ... You think I'm joking. I'm neurotic," he said, via Sports Illustrated.
James shared Sports Illustrated's post on his Instagram story and added another message to support Redick.
"It's only odd if you ain't a hooper!" James cwrote.
Fans in the comments agreed with Redick, noting that the basketballs feel different when they're brand new. The rookie coach said he would request the league to make this change after the Lakers went 5-of-30 from deep.
They still came out victorious in their season opener after taking care of the Minnesota Timberwolves 110–103 behind Anthony Davis' 36 points and 16 rebounds.
James scored 16 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished four assists, while his son Bronny played three minutes and got a rebound.
Charles Barkley takes a jab at JJ Redick's head-coaching role with Lakers
LeBron James' influence within the Lakers is clear, as the team signed his podcast partner JJ Redick as Lakers coach and picked Bronny James with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Charles Barkley made his thoughts clear on the dynamic between the player, the coach and the team.
"It's LeBron's team," Charles Barkley said. "JJ and LeBron, they had the podcast. There's nobody on that team that's going to disrespect JJ because LeBron will head his a** on the next flight out of town."
"I don't know what kind of coach JJ is gonna be. He was a good player but it's LeBron's team."
After two seasons with Darvin Ham, the Lakers brought Redick to Crypto.com Arena, and his tenure is off to a good start.