Why Lakers coach JJ Redick expects basketball gods to reward LeBron James
JJ Redick has not been shy about how he views LeBron James’ place in the game, and as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, he’s gone a step further: he believes the “basketball gods” owe James a proper reward.
Redick’s sentiment is less about mysticism and more about acknowledging longevity, commitment, and impact. LeBron has carried an enormous workload for over two decades, adapting his game while remaining a central star on every team he has joined. For a first‑time head coach stepping into the pressure cooker of Los Angeles, framing the season through that lens sends a clear message: this year’s Lakers will be built to honor what LeBron still is, not just what he has been.
From a league-wide perspective, the idea of the “basketball gods” rewarding LeBron reflects a common belief among players and coaches that the game ultimately pays back those who respect it. James has rarely taken shortcuts, investing in his body, expanding his skill set, and embracing high expectations. Redick, who spent years competing against LeBron before partnering with him in media and now coaching him, has seen that professionalism up close.
For the Lakers, that belief becomes a practical directive. It suggests a system that minimizes wasted possessions, values spacing and decision-making, and places LeBron in positions to orchestrate rather than simply overpower. It also hints at a culture where younger players are expected to match his seriousness and preparation. If the team buys into that standard, the “reward” Redick envisions is less about fate and more about alignment.
Across the NBA, there is an understanding that windows with all-time greats do not stay open forever. Redick’s framing taps into that urgency without sounding desperate. It positions this season as a chance for the Lakers to blend respect for LeBron’s legacy with a modern, intelligent structure around him.
In the end, Redick’s talk of basketball gods is really about accountability: if the Lakers do right by the game and by their star, he believes the results will follow.
Redick’s sentiment is less about mysticism and more about acknowledging longevity, commitment, and impact. LeBron has carried an enormous workload for over two decades, adapting his game while remaining a central star on every team he has joined. For a first‑time head coach stepping into the pressure cooker of Los Angeles, framing the season through that lens sends a clear message: this year’s Lakers will be built to honor what LeBron still is, not just what he has been.
From a league-wide perspective, the idea of the “basketball gods” rewarding LeBron reflects a common belief among players and coaches that the game ultimately pays back those who respect it. James has rarely taken shortcuts, investing in his body, expanding his skill set, and embracing high expectations. Redick, who spent years competing against LeBron before partnering with him in media and now coaching him, has seen that professionalism up close.
For the Lakers, that belief becomes a practical directive. It suggests a system that minimizes wasted possessions, values spacing and decision-making, and places LeBron in positions to orchestrate rather than simply overpower. It also hints at a culture where younger players are expected to match his seriousness and preparation. If the team buys into that standard, the “reward” Redick envisions is less about fate and more about alignment.
Across the NBA, there is an understanding that windows with all-time greats do not stay open forever. Redick’s framing taps into that urgency without sounding desperate. It positions this season as a chance for the Lakers to blend respect for LeBron’s legacy with a modern, intelligent structure around him.
In the end, Redick’s talk of basketball gods is really about accountability: if the Lakers do right by the game and by their star, he believes the results will follow.
