Rockin' the Rim: L.A., Lakers and Luka in a Whirlwind Sequel
Lakers' Offseason Cements Current State
In the bustling city of Chicago, whispers of the Lakers' fate echo through the air. Last year, this team was a hot topic, with rumors of new coach Darvin Ham's departure and broadcaster JJ Redick taking the reins. Today, under the same roof, the Lakers have moved to the sidelines, making way for the 2025 draft class and its star, Cooper Flagg.
The Lakers found their new coach in Redick and a promotion for General Manager Rob Pelinka. Though they're maintaining the status quo by NBA standards, they're sure to make a splash soon.
The NBA world is abuzz with speculation about superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant, but it's the Lakers who'll soon break the silence.
Recent headlines have been caught off guard by the team's unusual job posting for a strength and conditioning position, sparking discussions among rival team executives. While the posting method might seem unusual, it's all part of the Lakers' plan to reinvent their strength and conditioning program.
The Lakers and their former strength coach, Ed Streit, have parted ways after his departure last week. Streit, a well-liked presence within the organization, joined the team in 2019 as an assistant strength coach and earned a promotion in 2021.
With Redick's emphasis on "championship shape," the team is on the hunt for a new voice to guide the players, particularly franchise favorite Austin Reaves, heading into free agency next summer.
VIP seats: Lakers' Core, Conditioning, and Centers
Coach JJ Redick and GM Rob Pelinka are optimistic about the Lakers' core players, but they know improvement is needed in the center position and team conditioning. With no interest in trading Reaves for anything less than a top-tier big, the Lakers are considering options like Brooklyn's Nic Claxton and Dallas' Daniel Gafford.
Neither option is a certainty due to varying reasons, with both players carrying salary and productivity concerns. Other free-agency options are considered limited, with Indiana center Myles Turner out of the Lakers' price range and older veterans like Brook Lopez and Clint Capela facing doubts about their role as full-time starters.
The draft could present some opportunities for young, versatile, tough, athletic, and shooting bigs. One such player could unexpectedly hit the trade market if a team prioritizes a center over their current roster piece.
Enforcing Muscle: Strength and Conditioning Coach Search
The Lakers are actively searching for a new Head Strength and Conditioning Coach. The new hire will develop customized fitness plans for the players, travel with the team, and maintain a motivated, healthy roster. The salary range for this position is between $200,000 and $250,000 per year[1][2][4].
The pursuit of a new strength and conditioning coach follows the departure of former coach, Ed Streit[3]. The Lakers are seeking to modernize their strength and conditioning program to better support their stars, like LeBron James, and key players, like Austin Reaves, as they vie for championship glory.
- Despite the NBA world being captivated by stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant, the Lakers, based in Los Angeles, California, are poised to make a comeback, under new coach JJ Redick, and set the sports world ablaze.
- In a move to strengthen their team, the Lakers are on the hunt for a new Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, aiming to modernize their program and help key players like Austin Reaves maintain "championship shape".
- As the 2025 NBA draft approaches, the Lakers, a renowned basketball team from California, have shifted their focus from veteran players to promising newcomer, Cooper Flagg, signifying a significant change in direction for the Lakers of Los Angeles.
