Key Takeaways From Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick’s Press Conference
Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick addressed the media yesterday to discuss their thoughts on the team’s newest additions, departing players, and what to expect from the squad this season.
Media day is kicking off around the league. The Lakers will hold their media day on Monday, September 25th. But before the players take to the microphones, Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka and Head Coach JJ Redick conducted their annual “pre” media day, talking to local reporters about the upcoming season and recapping the work they’ve done over the summer.
Pelinka began the session by asking for a moment of silence for legendary Lakers PA announcer Lawrence Tanter. Tanter was with the franchise for 43 years, serving as the voice of Lakers teams led by some of the game’s greatest stars, including Magic, Kareem, Worthy, Shaq, Kobe, Pau, LeBron, AD, and Luka.
The Departure of LeBron James and Marcus Smart
Pelinka addressed LeBron’s decision to leave the Lakers by thanking him for the 8 seasons he spent with the team.
“To express gratitude for the LeBron era here…we as an organization are grateful for the run we had with LeBron here…it was a great era.”
Benjamin Royer of the O.C. Register asked Rob about Marcus Smart’s comments about feeling “disrespected” by the Lakers’ contract offer and what went into deciding to go in a different direction with the roster.
Pelinka essentially reiterated wanting to build a team that lined up in age with Doncic and Reaves.
“We want this team to grow together, and I think we were very intentional to get younger and deeper.“
JJ Redick’s Thoughts on His New Team
Coach Redick seemed excited and optimistic about the new players joining the Lakers’ program and shared his outlook on how the group can grow and develop.
“I’m confident we’re going to develop into a championship-level team this season.”
Redick also stated, “For the first time in my three years with the Lakers, this is probably the first time I feel the pieces actually fit together.”
Fit has been a big question regarding the roster construction over the last several seasons. While this roster has some question marks, it’s mainly because certain positional needs are missing rather than a question of fit.
We can expect the Lakers to expand their rotation this season. Pelinka and Redick both believe the roster is deeper than last year, and because of this, Redick said he plans to “play more guys this year.”
JJ also noted that the Lakers will be playing a different style of defense this year, mainly because of Walker Kessler’s incredible impact on that end of the floor. The Lakers played a very switch-heavy defense since Redick’s arrival because he felt he had to, given the roster’s flaws. But now, with a defensive Center like Kessler, Redick wants him patrolling the paint and near the rim on defense.
As far as the starters go, Redick says he’s only confident in 3 of the 5 starters: Doncic, Reaves and Kessler.
Rising Stars: Adou Thiero and Cam Carr
When watching the team play scrimmages, Rob Pelinka discussed rookie Cameron Carr and how he’s already developing great chemistry with Luka.
“He’s an extraordinary athlete and an incredible shooter, but he’s also a very curious and inquisitive learner.”
JJ also had his fair share of praise for Carr:
“The guy wants to play, he wants to learn, he wants to compete…We feel very fortunate to get him and be able to develop Cam as an NBA player.”
As for sophomore forward Adou Thiero, JJ said he’s had “unbelievable” development over the last two months.
Thiero didn’t get much playing time last season, largely due to ongoing injuries.
Regarding these last few months of development for Adou, Redick said:
“It’s the first stretch he’s had since we drafted him where he’s had uninterrupted time in the gym, and his body’s been in great shape. And he’s just gotten better.”
Redick and Pelinka are optimistic, with training camp kicking off in less than a week and the preseason right around the corner.
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