Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick addressed and pushed back on any concerns regarding fatigue and readiness to play for LeBron James and Anthony Davis this week. Should we expect to see eventual problems down the line? Or will James and Davis pick up where they left off in Paris?
JJ Redick Addresses Concerns About LeBron and AD’s Mileage
Novice Lakers coach JJ Redick’s expectations and season outlook regarding LeBron and Davis were touched on this week by Redick himself. More specifically, he touched on if the duo’s busy summer in Paris playing for Team USA will impact their readiness and playing time in the forthcoming 2024-25 NBA season.
James played significant minutes during Team USA’s Olympic run, only piling on more basketball minutes to his overall career. James has played 56,597 regular season minutes of NBA basketball—Olympic play not included. Going into his 22nd season, LeBron still ranks near the top of the list in minutes played—a ridiculous feat for the 39-year-old. Davis also played regularly in the Olympics but came off the bench instead of his natural starter position. As it stands, despite the extra logged minutes this summer, both players seem healthy and ready to go. And according to Redick, no concerns are coming from him.
“I mean, look, those guys are professionals in every sense of the word,” Redick said in an episode of Spectrum SportsNet’s “Lakeshow” Podcast. “My concern for them about whether or not they’ll be ready to play on Oct. 22 and be in shape, I don’t have that concern.”
Do we take Coach Redick at his word? You decide. But James always seems healthy and ready to go. I will venture to say that I will take Coach Redick at his word.
What to Expect From LeBron & AD
As mentioned above, James has a pension for being healthier and in greater shape than most of the league. Considering the insane dollars he spends on his body each year, what do you expect, really? However, James did not have a summer off this time around. Given his age, it’s only fair to share concerns despite what coach Redick is convinced of.
The concern should be directed more toward AD’s way and much less toward LeBron’s. Davis has a checkered injury history on his resume, and last season was the first time he surpassed 70 regular season games played since the 2017-18 season while he was still with the New Orleans Pelicans. As of today, AD is healthy, and no headlines or rumors are suggesting otherwise. That indicates the Lakers will open the new season with a healthy All-Star championship duo. The expectation is that James and Davis will continue their stellar play after the Olympics. AD was excellent throughout, and LeBron was LeBron. Having said that, the Lakers go as Davis goes. He’s the catalyst—the ultimate x-factor, as it were.
When JJ Redick speaks to their readiness and fatigue concerns, it would be wise to monitor Davis and James for potential fatigue down the road, regardless of how both players feel now going into training camp.
How LA Can Help Keep Their Duo Healthy and Intact
Despite the Lakers minimal off-season activity, the organization is still eyeing a few potential players, including Jonas Valančiūnas. The best thing LA can do is give Davis help, as he has adamantly requested. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka needs to listen to his center. Ignoring a roster upgrade at backup for that position is careless.
I think newly crowned Lakers coach Redick knows what he’s doing. He played in the league, dealt with his own injuries, and has a good insight into LeBron and his health. Maintaining James and Davis’s health and availability should be a priority.
