The relationship between Anthony Davis and JJ Redick will be vital as the new season approaches.

Anthony Davis and JJ Redick

JJ Redick‘s decision to leave Anthony Davis off his All-Defense ballot will not be an issue as he takes over as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Redick revealed his award votes in April, which did not include Davis on either the first or second team.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported that both parties can set aside the issue with little fuss. However, he did vote for Davis as a member of the All-NBA Third Team and praised his defensive impact, particularly in protecting the paint and at the rim.

One source close to the process insists that JJ Redick's refusal to place Anthony Davis on his All-Defense ballot this season is a topic both parties can set aside with little fuss now that Redick is Davis' coach.

Marc Stein wrote

Despite not including Anthony Davis on his All-Defense ballot, JJ Redick met with Lakers management and shared a plan to elevate Davis’ involvement, particularly late in games. Redick also had a phone call with Anthony Davis prior to his hiring, indicating a positive relationship between the two, despite talk of possible trade rumors.

Redick’s awareness of Davis’ key defensive role and his reported positive relationship with both Davis and LeBron James bodes well for his first season as head coach. His media partnership with James and his focus on elevating Davis’ involvement suggests a promising start to his coaching tenure with the Lakers.

Lakers prioritized Anthony Davis’ opinion in hiring JJ Redick as head coach

The Los Angeles Lakers prioritized Anthony Davis’ opinion when hiring JJ Redick as their new head coach, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Sam Amick, and Jovan Buha. Redick had a meeting with Lakers leadership, including general manager Rob Pelinka, and a follow-up phone call with Davis, ensuring that he understood the shared vision for the team.

The decision to choose Redick came as the Lakers, led by Pelinka, prioritized Davis' voice in the process and ensured that he understood the shared vision.

Shams Charania, Sam Amick, Jovan Buha wrote for The Athletic

The decision to hire Redick came after the Lakers’ offer to UConn’s Dan Hurley was rejected, and other key players on the roster also supported Redick’s hiring.

This is not the first time the Lakers have considered Davis’ opinion in a leadership decision. His relationship with former head coach Darvin Ham was a factor in the team’s decision to make a change this offseason, and the Lakers want to ensure Davis is happy and engaged to avoid any potential trade requests in the future.