JJ Redick Gets Draymond Green’s Support as LeBron James Comments Spark New Controversy

Earlier in July, LeBron James shocked the Los Angeles Lakers when he decided to leave and join the Philadelphia 76ers instead. The Lakers were insistent on retaining him by offering him a new contract; however, James wanted to explore his options. Despite losing the King on their roster, Lakers head coach JJ Redick seems to be fine with the idea.

During the Lakers' Start-of-Season press conference on Thursday, Redick shared his thoughts on the team's new lineup. Coach JJ feels the new roster fits better than the other players he has coached over the past three years.

"I think with this group, it's probably the first time in my three years here that I feel like the pieces actually fit together," Redick said. "Those roles will probably get even more crystallized... We have high confidence in these guys... Everybody, at some point, definitely will get a chance to impact our team and impact winning."

While Redick didn't directly say it was due to James' exit, he feels the team fits together. Fans on social media immediately related Redick's statements to LeBron.

Despite LeBron fans coming together to complain about JJ's remarks, Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green went on his podcast to double down on the Lakers head coach's comments and further explain what he could've meant by those words.

"Bron and Luka are both ball-dominant players, and LeBron had to learn how to play without the ball," Green said on his show. "I ultimately don’t think it allowed for the best LeBron James, so I understand what (JJ Redick) is saying when he says the pieces fit together better."

Whatever the case, we have yet to see what the Lakers can do now that LeBron is no longer in the picture.

LeBron James Breaks Silence on Decision to Go to Philly

Since deciding to take his talents to the City of Brotherly Love, many have wondered why LeBron James did so. Now that James is the oldest guy in the NBA and is in the twilight years of his career, nobody anticipated him switching teams at this point.

For the first time since signing with the Philadelphia 76ers in July, James finally broke his silence and explained why he made his decision.

"My relationship with Tyrese Maxey goes beyond the court," James said on his podcast. "When I mentioned him in the past on the podcast, Philly was not even in question... One of the most important, to be honest, is the big fella (Joel Embiid). The only thing he has not done is win a championship. I want to try to help him get that first one."

It seems that James is locked into transitioning into a full mentorship role with the 76ers. He already led by example after making a huge sacrifice with his salary.

LeBron signed a two-year deal worth $8 million, $50 million less than his initial asking price. It's clear that the King wants to ensure Philly can acquire all the pieces they need to win a championship in 2027.