Lakers make significant hire to combat injury woes

The JJ Redick era of the Lakers promises to use analytics, sports science and other modern methodologies to optimize player performance. The franchise took a significant step in that mission Wednesday by hiring renowned sports scientist Dr. Leroy Sims as its Director of Player Performance and Health.

Dr. Sims — who previously served as Senior VP of Medical Operations at the NBA — was at the forefront of the Orlando Bubble in 2020, working tirelessly on the safest way for players to restart the season and end it in the healthiest way possible. Sims' methods were so effective that the NFL and MLB borrowed some of his directives while attempting to resume their leagues during the global pandemic.

The Stanford alum also served as team physician for Team USA's track and field team at the 2016 Rio Olympics and provided medical support for USA Basketball at the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics.

According to the Lakers, Dr. Sims will oversee "player medical care and the optimization of health and performance" while reporting directly to front-office head Rob Pelinka.

The hire could potentially solve the injury woes the Lakers dealt with in the 2023-2024 season, which saw role players such as Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish missing 53, 71 and 34 games, respectively. Many felt Vanderbilt's absence particularly hurt the Lakers, seeing as the two-way wing was key to the team making the Western Conference Finals in 2023.

Dr. Sims could also prove critical in ensuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis avoid injuries during the 2024-2025 season, a year after both stars enjoyed their healthiest seasons in years. James and Davis are also familiar with Dr. Sims' practices, having worked with him during the just-concluded Paris Games.

Don't be surprised if Dr. Sims' methods activate the "load management" carried out by the Lakers this season, with his live data and player performance tracker influencing certain coaching decisions. Unless a player suffers a legitimate injury, the Lakers could be a healthy bunch entering the postseason.