LeBron James Reveals Lakers Had ‘Very Detail-Oriented’ First Practice Under JJ Redick

NBA legend LeBron James says the Los Angeles Lakers had a “very detailed-oriented” first practice under new head coach JJ Redick. 

A lack of structure and organization were common internal grievances about the previous coaching staff from players and the front office last season.

“Great first day,” LeBron said. “It was very detail-oriented. Just setting the standard, setting the course of action and how we expect to play every single night no matter who is playing. It’s not about who is playing, it’s about what we want to do every night. We want to play the same way every single night.”

Redick has yet to coach above the youth level. He played 15 years in the NBA with the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks.

The Lakers went 47-35 in 2023-24. They lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in five games.

Denver also beat Los Angeles in the 2023 Western Conference Finals in four games. 

“One of the things that I’m big on is using time efficiently,” Redick said. “I haven’t been around LeBron a ton, but I know that’s big for him as well. And I think as any NBA player will tell you, they really value their time. And I did not want to take time today to have some long meetings.”

The Lakers made no moves in free agency or trades in the offseason. The only new players on the roster are rookies Bronny James and Dalton Knecht.

“I don’t have any expectations and that’s unfair to put any expectations on us right now,” LeBron said. “The only thing that we can count on each other is how we come to practice and come to work every day. And trust the process and get better every day. And that’s what it’s about.”

Redick is focused on elevating Anthony Davis’ involvement and alleviating LeBron’s workload. LeBron, 39, is the oldest player in the NBA. He turns 40 in December.