The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines this offseason by hiring JJ Redick as their new head coach and drafting Bronny James with the 55th pick in the NBA Draft. According to Naismith Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman, these moves were not a coincidence. She believes the Lakers’ decisions are part of a broader strategy involving comfort and established relationships within the organization.
Lieberman, a former WNBA player and coach, shared her thoughts during an interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson on Scoop B Selects. She emphasized that Redick’s hiring and Bronny’s selection were influenced by more than just basketball performance. Redick, a former NBA player with no prior head coaching experience, was chosen partly due to his relationship with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. “People hire those they know and trust,” Lieberman said, noting that Redick’s ties with players like LeBron and his representation by Rich Paul’s Klutch Sports likely played a role in his hiring.
Redick, who spent 15 seasons in the NBA and was known for his three-point shooting, has deep connections with influential figures in basketball. Before his professional career, he played for legendary Duke University coach Mike Krzyzewski. According to Lieberman, Krzyzewski’s input may have been valuable to the Lakers during their coaching search.
Lieberman also addressed the Lakers’ decision to draft Bronny James, calling it part of a well-thought-out game plan. She acknowledged that nepotism and favoritism are natural talking points when discussing situations involving family members. However, she defended the decision, stating that Bronny has talent, though it’s still unclear how his game will develop at the professional level. “It’s not like they’re just giving Bronny a payday,” Lieberman said. “He’s either going to make it or not.”
Bronny’s transition to the NBA has been met with scrutiny. His performance at the University of Southern California raised concerns, as he averaged just 4.8 points per game during his freshman season.
Bronny’s Summer League showing further fueled skepticism. He averaged 8.8 points per game but struggled with his shooting, hitting just 35% of his field goals and 15.8% of his three-point attempts. His difficulties continued into his first four preseason games with the Lakers, where he managed only four points in total.
While Bronny’s early NBA performances have generated debate, Lieberman believes his inclusion on the Lakers’ roster is part of a broader trend. She drew parallels to situations where family members have worked together in sports, such as Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr. in baseball or Deion Sanders coaching his sons in football. Lieberman herself coached her son TJ in the BIG3 league, and she emphasized that family dynamics in professional sports often lead to outside criticism.
Despite the questions surrounding Bronny’s readiness, Lieberman remains confident in the Lakers’ decisions. She stressed that these moves, while influenced by personal connections, were carefully considered. “There’s absolutely a game plan in place,” she said, noting that Bronny’s future will ultimately be determined by his ability to perform on the court.
As the Lakers enter the 2024-25 NBA season, Redick and Bronny will both face intense scrutiny. For Redick, the challenge will be leading a team headlined by LeBron James and Anthony Davis while gaining the trust of the locker room. For Bronny, it’s about proving he belongs in the league and can carry the weight of his father’s legacy.
