JJ Redick, known for his sharp analysis and no-nonsense approach to basketball, has revealed some major predictions for the Los Angeles Lakers’ upcoming 2024-25 season. With the Lakers coming off an offseason filled with strategic moves, Redick’s insights shed light on how this revamped roster could perform under the leadership of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and new head coach Darvin Ham.’

1. LeBron James Will Have One of His Best Seasons Yet

Redick’s first bold prediction is that LeBron James, entering his 21st NBA season, will continue to defy Father Time and deliver one of his most dominant seasons yet. Despite being 39 years old, LeBron’s work ethic, basketball IQ, and ability to take care of his body have kept him performing at an elite level, and Redick believes this won’t change.

Why LeBron Will Thrive:

• Strategic Rest: Redick suggests that the Lakers’ deeper roster will allow LeBron to manage his minutes better, keeping him fresh for critical moments of the season and the playoffs. With improved depth at nearly every position, LeBron can take fewer risks and rely on his supporting cast during the regular season.
• Facilitator Role: Redick also predicts that LeBron will embrace a facilitator role even more this season, setting up his teammates, particularly Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Anthony Davis, for success. LeBron’s playmaking will be key to unlocking the full potential of this Lakers offense.

2. Anthony Davis Will Be in the MVP Conversation

Perhaps the most exciting prediction from Redick is that Anthony Davis will play at an MVP level this season. Redick believes that AD is primed for a monster year, assuming he can stay healthy and consistent throughout the campaign.

Why AD Could Win MVP:

• Defensive Dominance: Redick argues that Davis is already one of the most impactful defenders in the NBA, but this season, he expects AD to take his defense to another level. His ability to guard multiple positions, protect the rim, and anchor the Lakers’ defense will make him a top MVP candidate.
• Offensive Versatility: Redick also notes that AD’s offensive game has expanded, especially with a more reliable jump shot and improved three-point shooting. He predicts that Davis will be the focal point of the Lakers’ offense, with more plays running through him as both a scorer and a passer.
• Health is Key: The only caveat, Redick points out, is AD’s ability to stay on the court. If Davis can avoid the injury bug and play the majority of the season, his combination of elite defense and offensive prowess could easily land him in MVP conversations.

3. Austin Reaves Will Have a Breakout All-Star Season

JJ Redick is high on Austin Reaves, predicting that the third-year guard will take a significant leap and potentially earn his first All-Star nod. Reaves showed flashes of brilliance last season, and with more opportunities, Redick believes he’ll establish himself as one of the Lakers’ most reliable players.

Why Reaves Will Break Out:

• Increased Offensive Role: With LeBron expected to play more of a facilitator role, Reaves will have more chances to create offense for himself and others. Redick predicts that Reaves will not only be a scoring threat but also a playmaker in the backcourt, taking pressure off LeBron and D’Angelo Russell.
• Elite Shooting: Reaves has already proven himself as a solid shooter, and Redick believes he’ll only improve. If Reaves can continue to shoot at a high percentage from beyond the arc, he’ll be a key factor in the Lakers’ spacing and floor dynamics.
• Confidence and Versatility: Reaves’ confidence grew immensely during last season’s playoff run, and Redick expects him to build on that. His ability to play multiple positions, defend well, and make smart decisions will elevate his status within the league.

4. The Lakers Will Be a Top-3 Team in the Western Conference

Redick’s final prediction is that the Lakers will finish as a top-3 seed in the highly competitive Western Conference. With their combination of veteran leadership, depth, and defense, Redick believes the Lakers are set to dominate in the regular season.

Key Factors for a Top-3 Finish:

• Improved Depth: Redick highlights the Lakers’ offseason acquisitions, including Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, and Christian Koloko, as key reasons for their depth improvement. This roster has a balanced mix of experience and youth, giving the Lakers more flexibility during the grind of the regular season.
• Chemistry & Cohesion: Redick believes that the Lakers have finally built a team with great chemistry, led by the leadership of LeBron and AD. The continuity from last season, combined with the addition of new pieces that fit well in their system, will make the Lakers a well-oiled machine.
• Defense: Redick also points to the Lakers’ defensive potential as a major factor. With AD anchoring the defense and role players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Max Christie providing energy and toughness, the Lakers have the tools to be one of the best defensive teams in the league.

5. D’Angelo Russell Will Have a Bounce-Back Year

Redick is optimistic about D’Angelo Russell bouncing back after an inconsistent 2023 playoff run. He believes Russell will regain his form and play a crucial role in the Lakers’ offense, especially as a shooter and secondary playmaker.

Why DLO Will Bounce Back:

• Comfort in the System: Redick points out that this will be Russell’s first full season with the Lakers since his return. With more time to adapt to the system and his role, Redick believes DLO will be more comfortable and effective in his scoring and playmaking duties.
• Improved Chemistry: Having a full offseason to build chemistry with LeBron, AD, and Reaves will be beneficial. Russell has the s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s to be an offensive weapon, and if he can find his groove, Redick sees him as a key contributor to the team’s success.

6. Lakers Will Make a Deep Playoff Run

Finally, Redick predicts that if the Lakers stay healthy, they are fully capable of making a deep playoff run, possibly all the way to the NBA Finals. With LeBron, AD, and an improved supporting cast, the Lakers have all the pieces to compete for a championship.

What It Will Take:

• Health & Consistency: As with every team, health will be crucial. Redick emphasizes that if LeBron and AD can avoid significant injuries, the Lakers will have a legitimate shot at contending.
• Role Players Stepping Up: The Lakers will need contributions from their role players, particularly Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Jaxson Hayes, to make a deep run. Redick believes these players are capable of stepping up in high-pressure situations.

Conclusion: High Hopes for the Lakers

JJ Redick’s bombshell predictions for the Lakers’ 2024-25 season are filled with optimism. From LeBron James defying age to Anthony Davis competing for MVP, Austin Reaves making an All-Star leap, and the Lakers finishing as a top-3 team in the West, Redick sees big things for this squad. If these predictions come to fruition, Lakers fans can look forward to an exciting season and a potential run at the championship.