In a surprising turn of events this NBA season, JJ Redick, an esteemed former player turned coach, has taken the helm of the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite the initial shockwaves this decision sent through the league, Redick is already making waves with his clear vision for the team’s offensive strategy.
Establishing an Identity
As the Lakers embark on this new era under Redick's leadership, he is laser-focused on reshaping their game by enhancing their perimeter shooting while maintaining their dominance in the paint. His ambition is evident as he aims to amplify the Lakers' three-point attempts by up to six more shots per game. Currently averaging 28.5 attempts from beyond the arc, Redick's vision is succinctly expressed in his own words, "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."
Early Season Challenges
The Lakers have played two regular-season games so far, showing glimpses of their potential despite facing early setbacks, including a preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors on October 15. This adjustment phase isn't entirely unexpected given the transitional phase the team is undergoing as they adapt to Redick's strategies.
Offensive Movements and Improvements
A significant area of progress for the Lakers this season is their improved offensive movement, a facet that was criticized in the past. Through two games, they have registered 334 passes in their season opener, which marks a notable increase from their average of 267.5 passes per game last season. This increase in ball movement is a crucial aspect of Redick's strategy to create more scoring opportunities across the board.
Dominance in the Paint
While the Lakers are dialing up their three-point attempts, they aren't neglecting their strength inside. In a game against Minnesota, they outscored their opponents by a staggering 32 points in the paint, demonstrating a balanced approach to their offense. This inside-out strategy aims to keep defenses guessing and open up more shots on the perimeter.
Efficiency and Execution
The Lakers’ execution so far, particularly evident in their game against Phoenix, has shown promising signs. They managed to assist on 33 of their 40 field goals, a testament to their focus on teamwork and sharing the basketball. Furthermore, their effectiveness in scoring through cuts reflects an averaged 18.5 points per game from this tactic alone, underscoring their versatility and the depth of their offensive playbook.
Discipline and Opportunities
Impressively, the Lakers have made 64 trips to the foul line across two games, highlighting their aggressiveness and ability to capitalize on defensive lapses. This level of discipline and opportunity maximization is a key component of Redick's system, which places an emphasis on fighting for every point.
As the season progresses, how the Lakers adapt to Redick's vision will be an intriguing storyline. The essence of his approach is not just in shooting more threes, but doing so within a synergized team framework that champions both perimeter and inside scoring.
Redick's leadership, therefore, represents a new chapter for the Lakers—one that seeks to blend the old school with the new, by weaving a dynamic offense that places equal weight on precision shooting and ferocious interior play. With this balance, the Lakers might yet again find themselves ascending in the competitive landscape of the NBA.