"It was very helpful": LeBron James, 'second coach' of the Lakers for the duration of sciatica

Los Angeles Lakers started the season with a stumble against Golden State Warriors (119-109), but beyond the score, the focus in the Angelino franchise was on the figure of LeBron James. Although the veteran did not play his first game of the season due to sciatica affecting his lower back and right leg, his influence within the team remained intact. During the game review, coach JJ Redick highlighted the player's role in the video session. LeBron, dressed in a suit and glasses, observed attentively from the bench, but it was in the subsequent meeting where he made himself noticed. "LeBron was very helpful," Redick acknowledged after Wednesday's practice. The coaching staff analyzed the defensive errors that allowed Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield to comfortably shoot from the perimeter. Redick was clear: "We did a poor job of locating shooters in transition. It was a priority and we did not fulfill it." In that analysis, James actively participated, providing his insight on how to adjust the team's defense. The coach, who is in his first season leading the Lakers, particularly valued that exchange of ideas: "I told the group that having an open dialogue with LeBron is healthy. Let him ask questions, give his opinion, debate. That makes us better. Hopefully, we have those kinds of conversations every time we review video." Problems with the Lakers Beyond the defeat, the Lakers found positive aspects to correct. The difference in three-pointers (8 out of 32 compared to Curry and Hield's 8 out of 19), the 20 turnovers, and the 11 missed free throws were details that influenced the result but are considered fixable by the team. "There are very obvious things we can improve," said Gabe Vincent. "If we adjust certain details, the game completely changes." Jarred Vanderbilt agreed: "It wasn't as bad as it seemed. They are controllable mistakes, things we can easily clean up." "For now, we don't have the total connection we want as a team, but we will get there," Redick assured. "And having LeBron involved, even if he's not on the court, accelerates that process."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, "Fue de gran ayuda": LeBron James, "segundo técnico" de los Lakers mientras dure la ciática