JJ Redick’s Strategic Shift with the Los Angeles Lakers
In a surprising twist, the Los Angeles Lakers have entrusted JJ Redick with guiding the storied franchise from the sidelines. As the newly appointed head coach, Redick has already set about making his mark, striving to rejuvenate the team with a fresh offensive strategy focused on increasing offensive dynamism and three-point shooting. Although early days in his tenure, Redick's vision for the Lakers is beginning to take shape in the regular season.
Under Redick’s leadership, the Lakers have played two regular-season games, providing a glimpse into his strategic plans. Despite a setback in a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors on October 15, Redick remains unfazed. "If you look at it, for us and our group to take 40 3s in a game, that's promising. It's promising. We can get it up to 50, hopefully, but 40 is good," he optimistically commented.
Upping the Ante on Perimeter Shooting
Redick's ambitious goal is to significantly increase the Lakers' three-point attempts per game. Currently, the team is averaging 28.5 three-point attempts, a figure he is keen on expanding by five or six. His focus on perimeter shooting reflects a broader strategy to enhance the Lakers' offensive flexibility, creating a balanced offense capable of both strong inside play and potent outside threats. The recent statistic that the Lakers made 40 three-point attempts in a game signals that the players are embracing this new philosophy.
In their quest to adapt to Redick’s system, the Lakers’ current performance is revealing. The team has shown prowess inside the paint, particularly in a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where they outscored their opponent by a remarkable 32 points. This suggests that Redick’s approach to maintaining a strong inside game is on point, allowing them to dominate physically while setting the stage for external expansion through increased three-point attempts.
Emphasizing Ball Movement
Aside from perimeter shooting, Redick has also addressed the Lakers' movement and passing game, areas that drew criticism last season. The lack of offensive movement plagued the Lakers previously, but things appear different this season. In their season opener, the team recorded an impressive 334 passes, surpassing last season’s average of 267.5 passes per game. The strategy seems to be yielding tangible benefits, with the Lakers scoring 37 points off cuts, averaging 18.5 points per game. The rise in assists was clear during their game against the Phoenix Suns, where the Lakers assisted on 33 of their 40 field goals.
However, despite the promising statistics, Redick's Lakers are more than just about numbers. The team's renewed emphasis on ball movement and shot creation is driving their strategy change. The increased number of passes reflects an ethos of teamwork and collective effort that Redick is instilling in his squad.
Capitalizing from the Foul Line
Another aspect of the Lakers’ offense that stands out is their ability to earn trips to the foul line. With 64 free-throw attempts in just two games, the aggression in driving to the basket is apparent. This ability allows the Lakers to capitalize on opponents' defensive mishaps, thereby staying in the game even when shots from beyond the arc aren’t falling.
Balancing the Old with the New
Redick's challenge is to craft a Lakers identity that marries high-percentage inside plays with consistent long-range shooting, forming a dual-threat offense that can perplex defenders. The balance between these dimensions of play is critical, pointing towards a promising trajectory for the Lakers under his stewardship.
Redick's transition from player to coach brings a fresh perspective to the Lakers, influenced by his own time as one of the league’s sharpshooters. His approach, while still budding, is driven by a blend of innovation and reverence for basketball fundamentals. It’s a change that could revitalize the Lakers’ fortunes, should his strategic pieces continue to fall into place.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Redick's Lakers not only compete but how they further embody his philosophy on offense, potentially re-establishing themselves as premier challengers in a competitive league landscape. The story of this season, as it unfolds, promises to be one of evolution and adaptation, with JJ Redick at the helm steering the path forward.