JJ Redick: A New Era for the Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers, under the leadership of their new head coach JJ Redick, are undergoing a transformative period. Redick, known for his shooting prowess during his playing days, is now instilling a fresh philosophy that blends increased offensive movement with a keen focus on perimeter shooting. His approach has already yielded noticeable changes, as the Lakers aim to revitalize their campaign following past criticisms.
Redick's strategy is clear: enhance the Lakers' offensive weapons by elevating their three-point attempts while maintaining a balanced game. He is committed to pushing the envelope, as indicated by his aspiration to boost the team’s three-point attempts by five or six more per game. With the Lakers averaging 28.5 three-point shots per game so far, Redick remarked optimistically on the potential growth, stating, "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."
Painting the Court Inside Out
Despite the emphasis on three-point shooting, the Lakers are ensuring their inside game remains formidable. In their matchup against Minnesota, their dominance was palpable as they outscored their opponents by a staggering 32 points in the paint. This dual-threat capability is a hallmark of Redick's approach, leading to a more unpredictable and dynamic offense.
The team’s ability to drive inside and force fouls has been noteworthy, having secured 64 trips to the foul line in just two games. This capability ensures that while the Lakers extend their range, they do not compromise on their scoring efficiency from closer to the basket.
Revolutionizing Movement and Passing
One of the louder criticisms of the Lakers last season was a lack of offensive movement. In contrast, Redick’s Lakers are making waves with quick ball movement and active player cuts. This season, they've already scored 37 points off cuts, averaging 18.5 points per game in this manner, signaling an uptick from previous performances.
Further exemplifying this transformation is the impressive rate of passes. In their season opener, the Lakers recorded 334 passes, a marked increase from last season’s average of 267.5 passes per game. This rise in ball movement has unlocked better scoring opportunities and greater assists, as evidenced in their game against Phoenix, where they made an impressive 33 assists on 40 field goals. Such statistics underscore a team that is finding its rhythm by sharing the ball more effectively and setting up teammates for better shots.
Challenges and Ambitions
Despite the promising start, the journey is not without its challenges. The Lakers endured a setback with a loss in a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors on October 15. Such experiences remind the team of the work that lies ahead and serve as motivation for refining Redick’s strategies further.
As the season progresses, Redick's ambition remains steadfast. His focus is not just on quick fixes but on cultivating a brand of basketball that is sustainable and relentless both from outside the arc and within. By nurturing a culture of effective ball movement and tactical flexibility, the Lakers aim to reclaim their place among the NBA’s elite teams.
With Redick at the helm, the Lakers are off to a promising start. His commitment to increasing their scoring options while reinforcing their defensive strengths positions the Lakers as a versatile squad ready to tackle the demanding NBA season. As fans watch with anticipation, the new-look Lakers, under Redick's guidance, could indeed surprise many before the season concludes.