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The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for the 2024-25 NBA season in a unique position. The Lakers, of course, have a storied history, and this season will be remembered by many as "average," with essentially the same roster returning to play for another campaign.
While led by the fantastic duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, massive obstacles are standing in their way before they can genuinely be considered legit title contenders. The Lakers enter this season in an intriguing period for effort, particularly with JJ Redick newly taking the reins as head coach.
Redick, leading one of the most storied franchises in all sports, is writing his narrative to become an excellent NBA coach. However, there should be a healthy amount of realism to accompany any excitement about the newly hired coach - especially in his first season.
Lakers legend and NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson appreciates the weight of tradition and expectation in Los Angeles. Johnson talked with Jim Hill from Sports Central L.A. recently and stressed that the Lakers' fanbase needed patience as Redick adjusted to his new role with the team.
Johnson added: "We as Lakers fans gotta give JJ Redick, our new coach, some time to really help him understand how to utilize the talent, how to coach the talent, and then also what schemes will work, and what schemes won't work." "Because this is not going to be easy for him.
But I think having LeBron as your captain (helps) and one of the greatest that's ever laced them up in AD, and they showed Laker fans and basketball fans around the world what they're capable of doing in the Olympics," he added.
LeBron's Final Chapters
The age 40 season of LeBron James showcases what he can still do on a basketball court in any setting. But there's no escaping from the fact that his storied career is drawing close. James is still the oldest player in the sport and must retire, eventually creating a hole.
Davis and others will have to pick up the slack at that point, pushing Los Angeles in the right direction. All that said, the first year for Redick is laden with reasons to struggle as head coach while leading big names and living up historically.
The front office also comes under the microscope, particularly in constructing a team around LeBron and Davis that can compete year in and year out. The predicament places an almost unbelievable burden on Redick, one that comes with the territory of sitting in the big chair of a franchise like Purple and Gold.
The latest challenge for Redick, and a defining moment in the Lakers fate.. But the Lakers' propensity to blend experienced leadership with something new of their own devising could help make for a smoother transition as they hopefully veer into their next pre-eminent phase.
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