JJ Redick's Vision for the Lakers: More 3-pointers, More Movement
The Los Angeles Lakers have embarked on a new era under the leadership of head coach JJ Redick. A seasoned NBA veteran known for his sharp shooting, Redick has brought a fresh perspective to a team intent on reshaping its identity. In their early regular-season performances, Redick's influence is already evident, particularly in the Lakers' approach to offensive strategy.
After suffering a preseason defeat against the Golden State Warriors on October 15, the Lakers wasted no time in addressing the team's persistent issues from last season, namely the lack of offensive movement. Last year, critics were vocal about the stagnant nature of the Lakers' play, something Redick appears keen to rectify.
Under Redick's new regime, the Lakers are averaging an impressive 334 passes in their season opener compared to last season's average of 267.5 passes per game. The new approach fosters a dynamic style of play, characterized by increased ball movement and player cuts, elements that have resulted in 37 points off cuts in their first two games, averaging 18.5 points per game from this tactic alone.
Enhancing the Perimeter Game
Redick's strategy is not solely focused on ball movement but also on boosting the Lakers' perimeter shooting prowess. The team is currently averaging 28.5 three-point attempts per game. However, Redick has made it clear that he envisions more, stating, "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."
The Lakers' commitment to increasing their three-point attempts underscores Redick's belief in leveraging the modern, fast-paced style of play that has become prolific in today's NBA. This approach not only diversifies the Lakers' offensive options but also complements their strong inside game, as demonstrated in a game against Minnesota where they outscored their opponents by 32 points in the paint.
A Balanced Attack
Balancing their new perimeter emphasis is the Lakers' effort in maintaining a strong presence inside. Throughout their games, the Lakers have earned 64 trips to the foul line, indicating an aggressive style that puts pressure on opposing defenses. The strategic blend of increased three-point shooting and a relentless inside attack aims to keep opponents on their toes, making it harder for teams to focus on just one element of the Lakers' game.
Beyond individual performances, the Lakers' collective play is also worth noting. In a game against Phoenix, the team had an impressive 33 assists on 40 field goals, highlighting the teamwork that Redick has ingrained into the system. This ability to share the ball not only creates better scoring opportunities but also fosters a unified team environment.
The Road Ahead
As the Lakers continue to adjust to Redick's strategies, the season is still in its infancy, and there's ample room for growth. Redick's focus remains clear: embrace a modern offensive philosophy characterized by movement, collaboration, and an aggressive shooting mindset. For a team with championship aspirations, finding the right blend between an explosive perimeter game and a commanding inside presence is pivotal.
While it's yet to be seen how far these changes will carry the Lakers through the season, Redick's adjustments have surely laid the groundwork for a team eager to rewrite their narrative. The challenge will be maintaining consistency and adapting strategies as the season unfolds. However, with Redick at the helm, Lakers fans can be optimistic about the potential for a more dynamic and robust team performance on the court.