JJ Redick is almost officially joining the Los Angeles Lakers as head coach. Naturally, there is a great deal of doubt around it. Many have questioned if it’s the correct decision to give a rookie head coach the keys to the castle, and the majority are curious to hear what LeBron James thinks in around six months. But Kendrick Perkins thinks the Lakers should be more concerned about Anthony Davis.
The pundit on First Take asserted that Redick, a 31-year-old forward, would think about leaving the team if he has trouble in his first season as head coach.
Will Anthony Davis leave ?
Perkins went on to imply that Davis might possibly ask to leave as early as February 2025. He said,
“I wanna see how it goes with Anthony Davis because I’mma give it until the All-Star break. If JJ Redick is not thriving and Anthony Davis is not playing at an elite level and he’s not happy, I wouldn’t be surprised if he wants out of LA.”
When healthy, the nine-time All-Star has been outstanding for the Lakers, but the team hasn’t had the kind of success he would have liked. After winning the title in his first campaign, they haven’t performed well. In the previous four seasons, they have lost twice in the opening round and missed the playoffs once. In light of this, Davis may want to think about his choices if they have trouble during Redick’s first season leading the team.
LeBron James’ season-long All-NBA play is also essential to the Lakers’ aspirations of winning the championship. But depending on the four-time MVP—who turns 40 in December—isn’t a realistic long-term plan.
The veteran forward needs to be persuaded by Redick and the front office that the team can contend for the championship in the future season. Rebuilding the team around The King and Anthony Davis is, of course, the most significant way they can accomplish this. But maybe more importantly, Redick needs to make sure his players give their all.
