Report: JJ Redick Focused On Elevating Anthony Davis’ Involvement, Alleviating LeBron James’ Workload

According to NBA insiders Shams Charania, Jovan Buha and Sam Amick of The Athletic, new Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick is focused on elevating Anthony Davis’ involvement and alleviating LeBron James‘ workload.

LeBron, 39, is the oldest player in the NBA. He turns 40 next season. 

Meanwhile, Davis is only 31. 

“He explained his decision-making process when it comes to strategy, how the analysis and empirical evidence would always guide his choices rather than preconceived notions or outdated beliefs,” Charania, Buha and Amick wrote. “Redick described a system molded around this roster, focusing on elevating Davis’ involvement, particularly late in games, and alleviating the constant ballhandling duties on James by utilizing him more off the ball. Keeping James, who turns 40 in December, fresh down the stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs will be critical.”

LeBron can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason if he declines his 2024-25 player option with the Lakers. Most NBA insiders expect LeBron to return to LA to continue his partnership with Davis. 

The leading scorer in NBA history, LeBron averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists this season while shooting 54.0% from the field, 41.0% from beyond the arc and 75.0% from the free-throw line. He turns 40 in December. 

Meanwhile, Davis averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.3 blocks while shooting 55.6% overall, 27.1% from 3 and 81.6% from the foul line. 

LeBron and Davis have been teammates since 2019-20. The Lakers won the 2020 title, lost in the first round of the 2021 playoffs, missed the 2022 playoffs, lost in the 2023 Western Conference Finals and lost in the first round of this year’s postseason. 

The Lakers prioritized Davis’ voice in their coaching search. Redick and Davis spoke on the phone on June 17. 

“After meeting with the Lakers on June 15, Redick spoke on the phone with Davis on Monday, a critical relationship in the years to come, the sources briefed on the situation said,” Charania, Buha and Amick wrote. “The decision to choose Redick came as the Lakers, led by Pelinka, prioritized Davis’ voice in the process and ensured that he understood the shared vision. Other key players were supportive of the hiring, those sources said.”