How JJ Redick Challenged Lakers Amid Game Delays, Wildfires

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers were ready to get back to work on Monday against the visiting San Antonio Spurs. Amid the wildfires raging in Southern California, The Lakers’ previous two games against the Charlotte Hornets and Spurs have been postponed. Monday’s game was cleared to resume, but the Lakers have been ready for the last three days in anticipation of the game’s resumption. Before the game with the Spurs, the head coach of the Lakers JJ Redick talked about how he challenged the team in practice last week.

“I just asked them every day, I said, we all have other things. “Just give me your best today,” Redick said. “And they responded.” They gave me their best. We’ve had three great days of work, and we hope to carry that over into tonight’s game.”

It was an emotional week for the Lakers, and JJ Reddick in particular because his family’s home was among those lost in the fires. He mentioned that he is just overwhelmed and grateful for all the support he and his family have received from the organization and the greater Los Angeles community.

He felt that the events of the past week had only strengthened the bond between the team.

“Given the circumstances this week.” . .either you will be disconnected or you will be even more connected. And I would say this group has become even more connected,” Reddick said. “What stood out?” I think it’s just energy, efficiency, time, effort.”

The Lakers were headed in the right direction before the two layoffs, and now they can see that translate in the midst of nearly a week since they last played.

LeBron James’ role as Lakers leader amid uncertainty

One thing Redick mentioned before the Lakers game against the Spurs was the role LeBron James played as a leader during the event last week. He helped the team stay together and overcome the uncertainty surrounding the community.

“He’s definitely one of the loudest guys. Rob (Pelinka) and I deliberately addressed the group at the beginning of each day. We both talked, Rob was obviously giving league updates and updates on what was going on in greater Los Angeles,” Redick said. “And then we gave the players a chance to talk.” And obviously LeBron stepped up, along with a couple of other guys, the coaches, we tried to get the group going. LeBron is always there to do that.”

James has too was loud on social networks in terms of expressing his emotions regarding the current situation in Southern California.

David Iapkowitz is a basketball reporter for ClutchPoints, covering men’s and women’s NBA, WNBA and NCAA basketball news. The Los Angeles native has op-eds with Basketball Insiders, SB Nation and The Next Hoops.