The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 111-103 on Tuesday night behind a 30-point game from LeBron James. Head coach JJ Redick talked about how he is doing whatever possible to maximize the 41-year-old superstar. King James is still elite in his 23rd NBA season, but he can’t bring his A-game every single night. Redick compared LeBron to arguably the greatest pitcher of all time and admitted he feels like LBJ's catcher.
The Lakers changed the sub patterns when Austin Reaves went out, and it has helped unlock LeBron. It was a slow start after missing the first 14 regular-season games with an injury. James needed time to ramp up, but he is averaging 25.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.3 assists over his last 12 games.
Redick knows James has limitations at 41 years old. He is doing something that has never been done before. It is insane that King James is still playing at this level. LeBron is a marvel, and fans should give the Lakers' head coach credit for always figuring out what works.
JJ Redick must manage LeBron James to maximize his greatness
Redick fielded a question in his postgame presser about the thought of not having elite LeBron this season and if he was recalculating after a hot stretch from King James. Redick gave a fantastic answer where he compared James to Greg Maddux.
“No, not recalculating because I know LeBron, and I know how much he puts into this. It is just recognizing game-to-game what he has. He is Greg Maddux at the end of his career. Every night, he doesn’t have his best stuff, but he has enough to win. I’m his catcher, and I’m figuring out how to call the pitches.”
Redick admitted that sometimes LeBron decides to call his own pitches, but the head coach has no problems with that. He noted it is about maximizing what King James has in the moment. Coach Redick called what James is doing at 41 years old “a different form of greatness”, and fans are still marveling at it.
The Hall of Fame pitcher was still dominant on the mound into his 40s thanks to his excellent command. Maddux wasn’t blowing away hitters with his fastball anymore. He was throwing off speed pitches and figuring out what the opposition couldn’t hit.
Redick is doing the same with LeBron. He is leaning into the two-man game between his two stars and finding ways to let King James dominate. The 41-year-old superstar is no longer blowing past defenders with ease, but coach Redick is scheming ways to get him open. It is certainly working as the Lakers appear to be hitting their stride.
There has been plenty of talk about the defense, but the Lakers are the best clutch team in the NBA with two high-IQ players leading their roster. They are going to be a problem, especially with coach Redick getting the most out of King James every night.
Los Angeles Lakers fans should be excited. LeBron James may not be the best player on the planet anymore, but he is still finding ways to dominate. Head coach JJ Redick knows the limitations and is working around them masterfully. The Lakers are a serious threat, and fans can discount them at their own risk.