As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for the upcoming NBA season, a familiar voice has stepped forward to offer some sage advice. Lakers legend Magic Johnson has called on fans to exercise patience with the team’s new head coach, JJ Redick. This plea comes as Redick, a former NBA sharpshooter, embarks on his first coaching role, having taken over from Darvin Ham earlier this summer.
In a recent interview with a local Los Angeles news station, Johnson emphasized the importance of giving Redick time to adjust and implement his strategies.
“We as Lakers fans have to give JJ Redick, our new coach, some time to understand how to utilize the talent, how to coach the talent, and then also what schemes will work and what schemes won’t work,” Johnson stated.
Redick’s appointment has been a topic of much discussion among fans and analysts alike. With no prior coaching experience, many have questioned how he will manage a team featuring superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, Johnson believes that having LeBron as the team’s captain will be a significant advantage for Redick.
“I think having LeBron as your captain, one of the greatest to lace ’em up, and Anthony Davis — they showed Lakers fans around the world what they are capable of doing in the Olympics,” Johnson added.
Magic Johnson has a message for @Lakers fans when it comes to JJ Redick, LeBron James and Anthony Davis this season. More from @MagicJohnson with #JimHill at 5:45/10:45 @kcalnews #Lakers pic.twitter.com/4LV40ccLPY
— Sports Central LA (@SportsCentralLA) August 29, 2024
The Lakers’ decision to hire Redick was driven by a desire to bring a fresh perspective to the team. Lakers owner Jeanie Buss explained that they were looking for a candidate who could invest in developing young players and bring innovative ideas to the table. Redick has already outlined his plans, which include using Anthony Davis as the hub of the Lakers’ offense and focusing on player development and analytics.
Johnson’s call for patience is rooted in his own experiences with the Lakers. As a five-time NBA champion and former President of Basketball Operations, he understands the pressures that come with leading the storied franchise. His message to fans is clear: give Redick the time he needs to find his footing and build a successful team.
