JJ Redick Makes His Feelings Clear on Missing LeBron James in Season Opener
The Los Angeles Lakers were without LeBron James in their first game of the season against the Golden State Warriors. Lakers coach JJ Redick opened up about not having James on opening night at Crypto.com Arena.
“King James” was on the bench, supporting the team as he recovers from sciatica. Redick told reporters after their 119-109 loss how he realized that it would have been easier to have the 40-year-old star on the floor at one point during the game.
“It’s hard to forget about LeBron. The reality is when you’re focused on the group that you have, you got to make that group work… To be honest with you, I did have one moment in that first half when we had a few possessions, we couldn’t score against the zone, it’d be great to have LeBron just to throw it to in the high post,” Redick said.
James could have helped the Lakers win if he were healthy. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves weren’t enough to prevent the Warriors from getting the victory. Doncic had 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists, while Reaves finished with 26 points, five rebounds and nine assists.
The Lakers won’t have “King James” for the rest of the month, possibly until the middle of November, as per ESPN’s Shams Charania. In addition to his recovery from sciatica, the four-time MVP also has to get his body and conditioning back. He was unable to do his typical offseason routine because of the nerve injury.
Draymond Green Trolls LeBron James
Despite their history in the NBA Finals, Draymond Green and LeBron James became real-life friends. Green was happy to troll James after the Warriors’ win over the Lakers on Tuesday night in Los Angeles.
Speaking at the postgame presser, Green was asked about playing the Lakers without James on the court. The former Defensive Player of the Year has jokes for his friend who was sitting good on the sidelines.
“LeBron’s old ass was over there in his Phil Jackson chair. It’s always different when he’s not out there. Obviously, we’ve had battles with Luka (Doncic) as well. He’s an incredible player, but ‘Bron is ‘Bron. The battles we’ve had over the years, you’re looking forward to it,” Green said.
James and Green have plenty of time to catch up later this season. The Warriors and Lakers are set for three more games against each other on February 7 and 28 and on April 9.
No Change in LeBron’s Return Timeline
A few hours before the Lakers-Warriors game, ESPN’s Shams Charania shared an update on LeBron James’ recovery on NBA Today. Charania hasn’t heard any new information about how healthy James is now compared to last week, but the NBA insider is sure that franchise is being cautious.
“My understanding is LeBron James is doing some more on-court individual work. Sources continue to affirm to me repeatedly that he’s going to take a very patient approach with this injury. This nerve issue that he’s been dealing with for a few months now,” Charania said.
If James’ timeline is right, he could return on November 15 against the Milwaukee Bucks. He would have missed 13 games at that point, unless he makes a faster recovery in the coming weeks.
Warriors’ Buddy Hield Drops High Praise For Young “All-World” Talent
Jonathan Kuminga earned significant praise for his performance during the Golden State Warriors‘ 119-109 opening-night victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 23-year-old forward shone in a two-way role for Steve Kerr’s team. He provided stern defense against Luka Doncic, allowing the Warriors to play him straight up, rather than sending help. And, Kuminga was also electric when getting downhill or operating in transition.
When speaking to the media after the game, veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield named Kuminga among the best transition players in the world.
“JK is one of those guys that he’s probably one of the best in the world,” Hield said. “Other than LeBron, Anthony Edwards is one of the best all-world in transition, especially with the ball going downhill. This summer, I think he initiated just making reads, and he had this group that he has with him. And I watch his Instagram all the time, and he’s making reads and translated practice, and he had a great training camp and great preseason. I just want (his work) to keep translating, and he’s been working with Jimmy, and Jimmy’s been helping him.”
“JK, is one of those guys that is probably one of the best in the world, other than LeBron, Anthony Edwards, he’s one of the best all worlds in transition, especially with the ball and going downhill.”
Buddy Hield on Jonathan Kuminga and JK’s relationship with Jimmy Butler.
Kuminga ended the night with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists on 54.5% shooting from the field, with four of those makes coming from deep.
Jimmy Butler Aims To Help Kuminga Become Great
After the game, Jimmy Butler spoke to the media and expressed his desire to help Kuminga achieve his full potential.
“I just wanna help JK be great,” Butler said. “I mean, he’s got so much raw talent, and he’s so aggressive. He’s athletic, he’s super smart, and I’m trying to teach him a little bit of what I see throughout the game. I’ve been kicking it with him, hanging out, watching film, and just working on our game together after practice and before practice. I know how great he wants to be and how great he can be.”
“I just wanna help JK be great… We’ve been kickin it. Hanging out. Watching film and just working on our game together. I know how great he wants to be and how great he can be.”
Jimmy Butler III on mentoring Jonathan Kuminga 💯
Kuminga and Butler have performed well when sharing the floor together. If Kuminga can continue knocking down his perimeter shots at a reliable clip, then his partnership with the veteran forward could become a key cog within Golden State’s rotation throughout the upcoming season.
Draymond Green Praises Kuminga’s Defense
During his own postgame news conference, Draymond Green detailed the importance of Kuminga’s defensive production against Doncic. Green explained how the star forward’s high-scoring night isn’t indicative of the good work Kuminga produced.
“He was guarding Luka all night,” Green said. “And you know Luka—well, he finished with 39, 40, something like that. But it was like we didn’t have to commit two guys. You know, so you get 43, which I always tell these guys: you’re not stopping a great scorer. And that’s just not the way this league is set up for you to stop great scorers. But you do make a tough one. And I think all night he lived with the results. And over the course of 48 minutes, you just want to wear him down. You know, I think JK was all over him.”
Kuminga has all the tools to become a high-level two-way forward in the NBA. Kerr and the Warriors coaching staff will undoubtedly be eager to ensure he continues to produce at a high level on that side of the floor, especially when facing elite forwards.
