Lakers Start the Season Strong: LeBron, AD, and New Coach J.J. Redick Lead the Charge
As the 2023-24 NBA season gets underway, the Los Angeles Lakers are making a bold statement. With a 4-2 record to start the season, the team is showing promise, and fans are feeling cautiously optimistic. Led by the ever-dominant LeBron James and a rejuvenated Anthony Davis, the Lakers are being coached by new head coach J.J. Redick, whose appointment raised eyebrows but is now proving to be an inspired choice. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what’s behind the Lakers’ early success, focusing on key performances, coaching changes, and potential challenges they may face as the season progresses.
LeBron James: Defying Time at Nearly 40
LeBron James continues to defy expectations, showing no signs of slowing down as he approaches his 40th birthday. At this stage in his career, most players are well past their prime, but not LeBron. The King recorded his 300th career triple-double, a testament to his versatility and basketball IQ. His ability to impact the game on multiple fronts—whether it’s scoring, rebounding, or facilitating—remains unmatched.
LeBron’s leadership on the court has been a critical factor in the Lakers’ early success. Even as he ages, he remains the driving force behind the team’s offense. His ability to hit clutch shots and make game-changing plays has kept the Lakers competitive, but he can’t do it alone.
Anthony Davis: Dominating at Both Ends
Anthony Davis has been equally as important to the Lakers’ early season success. Averaging an astounding 31.8 points and 12 rebounds per game, Davis has been nothing short of spectacular. His ability to dominate on both ends of the court is reminiscent of his best seasons, and Lakers fans are hopeful that this year could be the one where he stays healthy throughout.
Davis’s defensive presence, in particular, has been crucial. His shot-blocking and ability to guard multiple positions make him one of the best two-way players in the league. When Davis is on the floor, the Lakers’ defense is significantly better. His ability to anchor the team’s defense allows the Lakers to switch seamlessly and protect the rim, giving them a significant edge over most opponents.
A New Era with Coach J.J. Redick
Redick has brought a fresh, dynamic approach to the team. One of the biggest criticisms of the Lakers last season under former coach Darvin Ham was the lack of organization. Plays took too long to develop, timeouts were often poorly timed, and there was a general sense that the players, not the coach, were running the show. Redick, on the other hand, has quickly established himself as the authority, even going so far as to challenge LeBron James during games.
In one notable instance, Redick called out LeBron for not shooting when he had a wide-open opportunity. This level of accountability is exactly what the Lakers needed. It’s clear that Redick took this job to win and isn’t afraid to push the team’s stars if it means better results on the court. His hands-on approach during practice, where he sometimes participates in drills, has also been a hit with the players.
The Supporting Cast: A Work in Progress
While LeBron and Davis have been phenomenal to start the season, the Lakers will need more from their supporting cast if they hope to sustain this level of success over the long haul. D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Austin Reaves are expected to play critical roles throughout the season.
Austin Reaves, in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance, but he’ll need to elevate his game further. His ability to create shots for himself and set up teammates, particularly Anthony Davis, for easy buckets will be crucial as the season progresses. Reaves has the potential to become a key playmaker for the Lakers, but consistency will be key.
One area of concern is the Lakers’ depth. While their starting lineup is solid, the bench has struggled early on. Rookie Dalton Knecht, who has shown potential as an X-factor, will need to continue developing. Even if he doesn’t score a ton of points, his efficiency as a reserve could help the Lakers’ second unit stay competitive when the starters are resting.
Players like Jackson Hayes, Gabe Vincent, and Max Christie will also need to contribute meaningful minutes. The bench’s ability to hold the fort when LeBron and AD are off the court will be a determining factor in how far the Lakers can go this season.
The Importance of Managing Minutes and Health
One of the biggest challenges the Lakers face this season is keeping LeBron and Davis healthy and fresh. While their performances so far have been nothing short of spectacular, it’s unrealistic to expect them to maintain this level of play for all 82 games plus the playoffs.
Managing minutes will be crucial. Redick and the coaching staff will need to strike the right balance between keeping their stars fresh and ensuring they build enough chemistry with the rest of the team. The Lakers are not aiming for a top seed in the playoffs—they just want to ensure they have a shot at a championship once the postseason begins. To do that, they’ll need to make sure their stars are healthy and ready when it matters most.
Can the Lakers Sustain Their Early Success?
While the Lakers’ 4-2 start is impressive, the real challenge will be maintaining this level of play throughout the season. The NBA is a long and grueling journey, and the team will face plenty of ups and downs. Redick’s ability to adapt as the season progresses will be critical, as opposing teams will begin to figure out the Lakers’ tendencies.
The bench will also need to step up and find its identity. Whether it’s Knecht emerging as a scoring threat, Hayes providing energy and rim protection, or Vincent and Christie offering steady play, the reserves must contribute in meaningful ways.
