Originally published by LakersNation.com
A big focus for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason was adding more youth, which meant parting ways with some of their leaders from last season like LeBron James and Marcus Smart.
Now, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are the unquestioned leaders of the team and head coach JJ Redick has already expressed that to his two stars.
“Yeah, I mean, this team is their team. I’ve been consistent over the last two years in challenging all the guys to lead in their own way. I’ve already spoken to a number of the guys about what that might look like this season with this group. And I think Austin and Luka both, I mean, actions speak louder than words. But you’ve seen that already,” Redick said at his preseason press conference.
“With Luka, the way he planned that trip. And I actually was in Europe the week prior and went and saw him and spent 48 hours. We played 72 holes of golf. And I could tell how excited he was and how much thought he put into that trip. And the guys all just enjoyed it. And it’s interesting. Those guys that were over there, and we obviously were able to send a couple coaches and a couple of small training staff members just to help. But the guys that were over there have said that our players were very interested in Ljubljana and Slovenia and the Alps and Lake Bled and were asking questions. And they all just genuinely really enjoyed the trip. And so that was a great team-building exercise.
“Since the guys have been back, Austin has been the leader in the gym every single day. And Luka’s obviously been back this week, and he’s been awesome. So it’s those guys’ team. We’ll continue to develop them as leaders, but it’s a requirement for all the players to lead in their own way.”
Doncic’s gesture to host the team in Slovenia was definitely a great foundation to build team camaraderie. Overall, the Lakers backcourt understands what is expected of them as leaders following James’ departure, and they are working with Redick to give L.A. back into championship contention.
JJ Redick discusses Lakers’ potential starting lineup
In this new era of Lakers basketball, Redick needs to figure out a starting lineup that accommodates his two guards in Doncic and Reaves. Walker Kessler will start at center and Quentin Grimes appears to be the consensus fourth starter.
However, Redick revealed that only three starting roles are solidified and remains open to having a training camp battle for the other two spots. With that being said, he cracked a joke about not starting two more white players.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.
A big focus for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason was adding more youth, which meant parting ways with some of their leaders from last season like LeBron James and Marcus Smart.
Now, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are the unquestioned leaders of the team and head coach JJ Redick has already expressed that to his two stars.
“Yeah, I mean, this team is their team. I’ve been consistent over the last two years in challenging all the guys to lead in their own way. I’ve already spoken to a number of the guys about what that might look like this season with this group. And I think Austin and Luka both, I mean, actions speak louder than words. But you’ve seen that already,” Redick said at his preseason press conference.
“With Luka, the way he planned that trip. And I actually was in Europe the week prior and went and saw him and spent 48 hours. We played 72 holes of golf. And I could tell how excited he was and how much thought he put into that trip. And the guys all just enjoyed it. And it’s interesting. Those guys that were over there, and we obviously were able to send a couple coaches and a couple of small training staff members just to help. But the guys that were over there have said that our players were very interested in Ljubljana and Slovenia and the Alps and Lake Bled and were asking questions. And they all just genuinely really enjoyed the trip. And so that was a great team-building exercise.
“Since the guys have been back, Austin has been the leader in the gym every single day. And Luka’s obviously been back this week, and he’s been awesome. So it’s those guys’ team. We’ll continue to develop them as leaders, but it’s a requirement for all the players to lead in their own way.”
Doncic’s gesture to host the team in Slovenia was definitely a great foundation to build team camaraderie. Overall, the Lakers backcourt understands what is expected of them as leaders following James’ departure, and they are working with Redick to give L.A. back into championship contention.
JJ Redick discusses Lakers’ potential starting lineup
In this new era of Lakers basketball, Redick needs to figure out a starting lineup that accommodates his two guards in Doncic and Reaves. Walker Kessler will start at center and Quentin Grimes appears to be the consensus fourth starter.
However, Redick revealed that only three starting roles are solidified and remains open to having a training camp battle for the other two spots. With that being said, he cracked a joke about not starting two more white players.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.
