The Los Angeles Lakers are bringing high energy and positivity to training camp, with LeBron James leading the way.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis
The new season is around the corner and the Los Angeles Lakers squad are back after talking to the media and went straight into their drills. However, according to reporter Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the energy surrounding the Lakers’ training camp feels different as it is at an all-time high.
This will be JJ Redick’s debut season as head coach, and it looks like the team are looking to impress him for a place in the roster. Although his starting five appears to be locked in, places are up for grabs in the slots meant for rotation.
This is my fifth season covering the Lakers and my fifth training camp, and I cannot remember the Lakers having this kind of positive, joyous, and upbeat energy to this extent in any of the previous four training camps… the intensity stood out, especially with LeBron, Bronny, and Max Christie doing shooting drills together.
Jovan Buha said on Wednesday’s episode of his podcast Buha’s Block
“The vibes around the Lakers are at an all-time high.This is my fifth season covering the Lakers and my fifth training camp, and I cannot remember the Lakers having this kind of positive, joyous, and upbeat energy.”
(🎥 @swishcultures_ )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 2, 2024
The players would get to test themselves when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves in their preseason opener on Friday, and Coach JJ Redick has expressed optimism following Tuesday’s two-hour session. Fans will be anticipating seeing how much improvement they can make in a short period of time.
The Lakers took a risk in appointing Redick following the decision to part ways with Darvin Ham after the team’s early elimination from the 2024 playoffs. The Lakers were able to secure a new contract extension for LeBron James, and there’s hope for growth from younger players like Max Christie, as they are looking to build a more cohesive and healthier roster.
LeBron James doesn’t want unfair expectations on the Lakers
History will be made when LeBron James takes part in his 22nd season as a pro, and with the Purple and Gold fans not so very patient, King James believes it will be so unfair to place expectations on the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers begin their first season under new head coach JJ Redick where immediate success isn’t the target.
I don’t have any expectations. And that’s unfair to put any expectations on us right now. The only thing that we can count on each other is how we come to practice and come to work every day.
LeBron James said (via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin)
New story: Day 1 is in the books for Lakers training camp. Their new coach wants to be process oriented and build as they go. That sits just fine with LeBron James – “I don’t have any expectations. And that’s unfair to put any expectations on us right now” https://t.co/XHpjBiLQ8o
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 1, 2024
Furthermore, Coach Redick has already started making his impact felt in the as he recently organized a team dinner in Beverly Hills to build camaraderie and set the tone for the season. This gathering was crucial as they hoped to lay the foundation for their season and do it in a place that won’t distract practice.
Unfortunately, the Lakers’ global appeal and the presence of the four-time NBA champion has not helped in dampening the expectations as their fans expect immediate results. And fans will be aware of the odds which suggest a modest win total of 42.5 for the season, per FanDuel.
