Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick says the team’s recent surge without LeBron James is rooted in simple on-court comfort among his remaining stars.
James, 40, has missed several games with what the club lists as day-to-day foot and other minor issues. Redick told reporters before a nationally televised meeting with the Minnesota Timberwolves that the four-time MVP completed pre-game shooting drills but “probably just needs a couple more days.”
“Sometimes day-to-day is two days, sometimes it’s five or six,” Redick said, adding that James’ body “won’t always respond” after 23 NBA seasons. He cited two recent falls in Denver as examples of the wear on the veteran forward.
The Lakers went on to beat Minnesota, marking their third consecutive victory without James. When Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are available while James is out, Los Angeles is now 10-2.
Why the offense works minus LeBron
Redick attributed the success to a clearer hierarchy when Dončić and Reaves share the floor with low-usage teammates.
“All three of those guys are most comfortable with the ball,” he said of James, Dončić and Reaves. “But when Luka and AR are out there together without LeBron, there’s a clear pecking order.”
The coach noted that missing training camp time and early-season games delayed chemistry among the trio, yet he believes the group “will get there” once fully healthy. Redick emphasized that James “recognizes the importance of having Luka as the engine” and is focused solely on winning.
Ongoing injury management
With six games in eight nights on the schedule, including two back-to-backs, Redick said the staff expected occasional rest for James. “It wouldn’t have surprised me if he needed a day or two to get his body right,” he stated.
James’ next opportunity to return will depend on how his foot responds over the coming days. The Lakers have not announced a definitive timetable.
Source: LakersNation.com
