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The Los Angeles Lakers will have a first-time head coach in former player J.J. Redick this season, but he’ll be supported by long-term veteran and superstar LeBron James.
“I’m going to lead by example, lead by my voice. My voice is very commanding, but I’ll be an extension of the coaching staff on the floor,” James told reporters on Tuesday (2:36 mark). “Right now we’re getting our system put in place, and not only is J.J.’s voice being heard, but all the other coaches’ voices are being heard. We’re all just taking it in and trying to dial in and get better out there on the floor.”
Redick is making the adjustment from successful playing and media careers to the world of coaching, and doing so in the NBA’s ultimate pressure-cooker. There isn’t a more scrutinized coaching gig in basketball than leading the Lakers.
Thus far, however, Redick has impressed the Lakers.
“JJ has done a really good job, I think, to start,” Max Christie told reporters. “Definitely imposing himself as a coach. … I think he’s done a really good job kind of explaining what our offensive identity, defensive identity and so on is going to be.”
“I just think the whole structure and foundation these coaches have brought in for us is a great start,” Austin Reaves added. “Because I feel like a lot of times last year we won games off talent. And when you have talent around structure, then you have the opportunity to do something really special.”
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