JJ Redick Reveals Big Lakers Decision Ahead of 2024-25 NBA Season

Despite constant speculation surrounding trade targets and free agent signings, the Los Angeles Lakers are beginning the 2024-25 NBA season with the same roster that finished last year. The only significant change came on the coaching front with Darvin Ham being replaced by first-time head coach JJ Redick. This is an obvious problem for a team that lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Denver Nuggets.

To make matters even more frustrating, Redick just revealed his starting lineup for next season and it is not what Lakers fans had in mind. As Evan Sidery points out, based on NBA insider Zach Lowe's podcast, Redick reportedly said that his starting lineup would be D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.

Lakers News: JJ Redick Reveals Starting Lineup For New Season

This is the same starting five that started in five games in the postseason. The shortcomings of this unit are well-established. Russell and Reaves are a defensively deficient duo and Hachimura doesn't provide enough shooting, defense, or athleticism as a starting forward. The Lakers will once again lack in terms of shooting and defense to start the season.

One thing Lakers fans were hoping for was the possible benching of Russell. The All-Star guard is redundant with Reaves in the starting lineup and is likely better suited for a sixth-man role at this stage of his career. Gabe Vincent, now that he is fully healthy to start the season, would be a better fit as a starter with his defensive chops and off-ball ability. Max Christie and Cam Reddish are other options that Redick could have considered.

At the end of the day, what Lakers fans really want is none of these options. They would prefer a trade in which they get an impact player who can shoot and defend. Unless they get that, their frustrations will continue.

More Lakers news and rumors: