Lakers News: Rob Pelinka Addresses LeBron James's Involvement In JJ Redick Hire

The Los Angeles VP sheds light on the four-time NBA champion's engagement in the process.

Oct 11, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) hugs general manager Rob Pelinka after game six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports / Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

On Monday, the Los Angeles Lakers made a significant move in their storied history by introducing their 29th head coach, JJ Redick. Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka presented Redick to the media and Lakers fans, giving us a glimpse of Redick's vision for the team's future. Redick's impressive performance at the press conference and endorsement of key players like Anthony Davis and LeBron James bodes well for the team moving forward.

Although James' opinion matters, Pelinka suggested in Monday's presser that James chose not to be too involved in the head coaching search.

Pelinka says LeBron was supportive of the Lakers in the process and chose not to be very involved. Anthony Davis was, Pelinka said, more involved.

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) June 24, 2024

This makes sense for a variety of reasons. First, although all signs point to James singing back with the Lakers, he will still likely be a free agent come June 30. Second, James won't be in the league for too long. If James does sign back with the Lakers, he will be in the purple and gold for a maximum of three seasons, compared to Davis, who could finish his career in Los Angeles, which would be more than three seasons.

Davis, 31, is showing that although James is the bigger name, it is certainly Davis' team. The nine-time All-Star is the head of the snake. The Lakers will only go as far as he takes them, and while James will play a part in that, it will be Davis leading the charge night in and night out.

Davis wants to finish his career in purple and gold and hopes to develop a great relationship with his new head coach, his long-term coach. Fingers crossed.

More Lakers: Anthony Davis 'Very' Involved In LA Head Coaching Search