"Very detail oriented" - LeBron James offers first impressions of JJ Redick’s coaching debut in Lakers practice
LeBron James and the LA Lakers had their first practice on Tuesday, following their media day on Monday. James got to talk about how the new head coach, JJ Redick, conducted his first day of practice.
"We did a little bit of everything, just getting our system put in and going on to implement it," James said. "Very detailed oriented, it's gotta be every single day in order for us to get better.
"It's a collision course for all of us. We're all learning on the fly," he said after being asked how the team can start to build chemistry. "So, you pick each other up, talk each other through it and implement it to a simulated situation when we're going out and competing 5-on-5, whatever the case may be. Every day is an opportunity for us to get better."
James added that Redick had paid close attention to the smallest detail during practice.
A new season is right around the corner, and the Lakers have set their sights on being title contenders. However, since the team has only started to practice recently, James doesn't think it's wise to put any expectations on them.
This is the first time Redick will take over as a head coach at the NBA level. There is a lot of pressure from the critics and fans as the former Duke Blue Devils star has been praised as one of the smartest basketball minds today.
LeBron James wanted a coach that would last with the Lakers
LeBron James has played under three head coaches at LA. When James joined the team, Luke Walton was at the helm. Frank Vogel later replaced him and helped James win his fourth title. After Vogel's dismissal, Darvin Ham took over. Ham was under fire during most of his tenure with the team.
He only lasted two seasons and wasn't able to lead the Lakers to a title. This time, the Purple & Gold has put the assignment of leading the team in JJ Redick's hands.
"I wanted the Lakers, as a player and as a fan of the franchise, to be able to hire the coach that should be there," James said. "Not only as I'm finishing my career, but long after I'm gone because there's been so many guys in that seat over the last few years. And to be able to find someone that could be stable in that position is very key for any franchise."
The Lakers will open the preseason at Acrisure Arena against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.