Draymond Green recently weighed in on JJ Redick’s assessment of the Los Angeles Lakers’ new roster balance heading into the 2026-27 season. On his podcast, Green broke down how LeBron James’s departure to the Philadelphia 76ers allows the offense to finally function cleanly.
“Bron and Luka are both ball dominant players and LeBron had to learn how to play without the ball. And I ultimately don’t think it allowed for the best LeBron James, so I understand what he’s saying when he says the pieces fit together better. They’ve built a team that’s heavily going to play roles with Luka having the ball, and that’s been very successful for Luka in teams that he’s been on.”
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Redick recently stirred up debate during a press conference with general manager Rob Pelinka. While discussing roster changes before the season opener against the Golden State Warriors, the 42-year-old coach said,
“Probably the first time in my three years here that I feel like the pieces actually fit together.”
Because this marks Redick’s third season coaching the Lakers, his comment directly reflects on the years LeBron James anchored the team. James left for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency to team up with Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid during the 2026 offseason. His departure ended a brief era where the front office tried to force a partnership between James and Luka Doncic, who arrived via trade in Feb. 2025.
Austin Reaves sparks nostalgia with LeBron James reunion joke
LeBron James remains close with his former teammates despite moving to the Eastern Conference. He recently went golfing with Lakers guard Austin Reaves and his son, Bronny James. During the outing, Reaves joked on camera,
“We could still be together.”
Their lighthearted moment went viral among Lakers fans still adjusting to James’ exit after eight seasons in Los Angeles. Reaves, who averaged 23.3 points per game last season, remains a key anchor as the Lakers prepare to open their new era under JJ Redick, with Doncic handling primary playmaker duties.
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Edited by Sami Haider