close
close
news

Lakers owner chose JJ Redick as coach because they wanted something ‘different’

Many have doubted the appointment of JJ Redick as the new Lakers coach, and owner Jeanie Buss wants to finally put those pessimistic rumors to rest. In a recent interview on the Petros and Money Show In AM 570 she further discussed this decision and indicated why the organization believed he was suitable for the position.

“We wanted to think differently,” she began. “He has a vision. I don’t like to talk about the basketball-specific stuff, but we were looking for a candidate who would bring something new and really focus on developing young players.”

Jeanie assured that the entire franchise is fully behind their new head tactician, despite him being a rookie in this situation and leading one of the NBA’s most prominent teams. “JJ is the right fit for us. He knows what this league is about and I think he’s going to be a great leader,” Buss added.

This season, the league will witness a historic moment as LeBron James and his son Bronny are on track to become the first father-son duo to play together in the league. Redick was careful to dismiss claims of nepotism surrounding the situation. “Rob and I didn’t give Bronny anything. Bronny earned this,” he said.

“Bronny talks about his hard work. Bronny earned this through hard work,” JJ assured in July, confident the 19-year-old has what it takes to go far in the NBA. “And for us, who prioritize player development, we see Bronny as kind of a case study one.

“Because his base level of feel, athleticism, offensive defense, shooting, passing, there’s a lot to love about his game, and as we build out our player development program holistically, he’s going to have a tremendous opportunity to become an outstanding NBA player.”

LeBron has broken so many records in the league, but he never believed he would set a whole new record with his eldest son. Never before have a father and son played in the NBA at the same time, as they promise to be ready to handle the pressure of playing on the same team.

The franchisee reflected on a similar experience with her own father, comparing her situation to that of Bronny and LeBron

While everyone is wondering if Bronny will call LeBron “daddy” on the NBA court, Jeanie Buss can’t help but acknowledge that she’s been through similar situations with her own father, who used to own the Lakers.

It all started when the 39-year-old told the media that he wouldn’t accept his eldest son calling him the same thing he does at home. “At home, I’m ‘Dad.’ But on the field, he can call me ‘2-3,’ ‘Bron,’ or even ‘GOAT’ if he wants to. It’s up to him,” James said during an episode of The shop.

Jeanie then referenced her late father. “You know, I never had that conversation with LeBron or Bronny, but in business situations, I always referred to my dad as Dr. Buss,” she said. “I wanted to keep that boundary clear because that helped us — we didn’t bring work home to the dinner table. So I think LeBron and Bronny are very prepared for this. And I’m glad they have this opportunity.”

During the same interview on The shopLeBron spoke candidly about the anticipation. “I’m so excited for training camp,” he shared. “Having your son work with you is just amazing. I can’t wait for this moment. It’s going to be pretty surreal for me. That might be the first time I sit back and think, ‘This is really cool.'”

Related Articles

Back to top button