The ceiling of having Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James leading a basketball team never truly materialized after a red-hot March for the Los Angeles Lakers. Late-season injuries to both Doncic and Reaves left the Lakers without Doncic altogether in the postseason, while Reaves came back as an imperfect version of himself. JJ Redick clearly wanted things to go differently.
"I wish we had more time with those guys all in the lineup. We were just beginning to see what that could look like when Luka and AR got hurt. That's sort of the disappointing part because I think we all felt that excitement and that belief that we were beginning to be a championship level team."
Redick added that he would have loved to see the group that caught fire late in the season carry that into the playoffs. While the Lakers cannot go back, change time, and reverse that outcome, they can grant the first part of what the second-year coach was wishing for.
If the Lakers can bring back Reaves and secure James's future in Los Angeles during the summer, Redick should be able to get more time with that trio and build on the momentum they created this year. It could even come with an improved roster around the stars in Hollywood.
Lakers can give Redick one last shot to win with Doncic, James, and Reaves
At 41 years old, James is not likely to stick around in the NBA much longer. That makes him the biggest variable in trying to secure the future of the Lakers trio.
James could opt for retirement. LeBron may even want one last ride with his first love, the Cleveland Cavaliers. If the goal is to win, though, the Lakers should still be the preferrable path for the player who many view as the G.O.A.T.
Reaves' future in Los Angeles feels much more sealed by contrast. With a payday looming, the Lakers guard should have no better suitor out there than his current franchise to satisfy a desire for a new lucrative contract and a winning situation.
Realistically, Rob Pelinka is in a prime spot to ensure Redick gets what he wants here with his three guys. There should still be room beyond that to improve the roster that surrounds the star trio too.
Redick is not asking for much here. After an excellent postseason of coaching, the Lakers bench boss just wants to eliminate the pondering of what could have been with Doncic, James, and Reaves. That should be very doable for all parties involved. Lakers fans want to see it just as much as their head coach does as well.
Add us as a preferred source on Google