NBA analyst doubts Lakers miracle despite $40 million off-season move: "Not realistic"
This year's offseason for the Lakers involved the decision to go with JJ Redick as their new coach and the draft selection of Bronny James with the 55th pick. However, the Purple and Gold came up short in making significant moves to improve their roster from last year. NBA analyst Ric Bucher argued that a possible miracle on the horizon might not be likely for the team.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Jovan Buha, and Sam Amick, Redick is projected to make $32 million over his four-year contract while Bronny James also signed a four-year deal, but for $8 million. Redick is viewed as an important piece in establishing a culture change in the team while LeBron James' son will be a development player for them.
However, Bucher said in his appearance on FS1's "Undisputed" that he is not confident that these offseason moves are enough to propel the Lakers above the competition.
"I don't see any way for them to get better by the start of the season," Bucher said, "and I don't see any way for them to get better by the end of the season. I believe that they are in the same boat that they were last year ... The talent is simply not there and ... it's expensive talent ... The idea that they're going to turn water into wine is just not realistic."
LeBron James will be entering his 22nd NBA season after signing his brand-new two-year deal. However, he will be turning 40 in December with the expectation that Anthony Davis will be the focal point of the Lakers' offense. With the majority of the depth remaining the same, the pressure is placed once again on the shoulders of the two NBA All-Stars.
James is projected to make $101 million in his new contract while Davis will be making $175 million in his three-year deal that starts in the 2025-26 season, as per Spotrac.
Given the Lakers' lack of depth and expensive roster, the NBA analyst doesn't see a scenario where the team gets significantly better from how they performed last season.
JJ Redick gets support from former Duke Blue Devils coach
During an interview with NBA analyst Colin Cowherd, former Duke Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski has all the confidence in JJ Redick to be effective in his new role as the Lakers' coach.
"JJ is amazingly competitive, and is prepared as well as any player I've coached at Duke," Krzyzewski said. "He's smart, he's confident and he understands the game and having 15 years of being a pro, he has emphathy for the guy trying to make it when he's trying to make and makes it, and for the veteran who is still trying to make it ..."
Redick played 17 seasons in the NBA with several teams such as the Orlando Magic, LA Clippers, and the Philadelphia 76ers, among others. Throughout his professional career, he has been part of various locker rooms which was highlighted by Krzyzewski as an asset being overlooked by the media.