The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off their training camp with a team dinner in Beverly Hills organised by new head coach JJ Redick.
The gathering focused on building the team’s identity for the upcoming season and Redick reportedly shared his values and what he expects of the squad in 2024-25.
And while expectations are always high for the Lakers, LeBron James is keen to avoid any early-season pressure, despite the optimism surrounding Redick’s arrival.
Speaking to the media, he said: “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.”
“It’s a collision course for all of us. We’re all learning on the fly.”
Redick announced that he plans to stick with the starting lineup that finished last season.
Lot of energy in the gym ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/q6ehT55k6Y
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 1, 2024
James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura.
However, the head coach is still figuring out his rotation, leaving room for competition in camp for the remaining spots.
He said: “I think beyond the obvious guys, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt when he gets healthy, Jaxson Hayes, Max [Christie], Cam [Reddish], Jalen [Hood-Schifino], I know I’m forgetting someone.
“There’s a lot of guys that are going to compete for spots.
“Christie is a guy who’s earned our coaching staff’s trust over the last two months.
James also expressed excitement about the Lakers re-signing Christie, who secured a four-year, $32 million contract this off-season.
He added: “I think Max will be a big part of our rotation. He’s gotten better and better, and I’m happy we were able to bring him back in the summertime.
“I look forward to a bright season from him.”
