JJ Redick Appreciates LeBron James’ ‘Superstar Burden’

LOS ANGELES – In a recent presentation by ESPN’s Baxter Holmes sales history of the Los Angeles Lakersit was suggested that Jeannie Bass didn’t fully appreciate LeBron James midway through his tenure with the Lakers. Buss has since disputed that part of the articleand before the Lakers’ game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, the head coach JJ Redick he admitted he saw nothing but respect for the franchise toward its star.

“I’ve been here two years, everyone in this organization appreciates LeBron and appreciates what he’s done for the Lakers. He’s carried on the legacy and also, frankly, the burden of being a superstar for the Los Angeles Lakers for eight years,” Redick said.

“And he did it with class. And personally, I can speak to that. I enjoyed coaching him at the highest level, like 10 out of 10,” Redick continued. “That doesn’t mean we don’t have disagreements, but I know with that guy he’s going to put his all into this. And it’s been great to coach.”

The Lakers originally acquired James as a free agent in the 2018 offseason. James has now spent eight seasons with the franchise and helped lead the team to a championship in 2020. Since then, the Lakers have made it out of the first round of the playoffs just once, and missed the 2021-22 postseason altogether.

However, much of the lack of post-title playoff success stems from the Lakers radically changing their roster from a balanced 2020 group.

James went on to play at an elite, All-NBA level and became the league’s all-time leading scorer while in a Lakers uniform. In the midst of an unprecedented 23rd NBA season, James currently has a streak of 21 consecutive years being named to the All-NBA team.

He has appeared in 25 games so far after recovering from an early season nerve injury, and is playing just over 33 minutes per game. James is averaging 22.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.0 steals on 51 percent shooting from the field, 33.3 percent from the 3-point line and 74 percent from the free throw line.

However, this upcoming offseason will be crucial for James. He decided to sign a contract this season, and will be available for unrestricted free agency as this is the final year of his current deal. While speculation has been rife, there has been no word from James himself on how long he wants to continue playing.