Lakers' New Era Under JJ Redick Focuses on Strategic Adjustments
As the Los Angeles Lakers embark on a fresh NBA season, a significant change is evident from the sidelines. JJ Redick, the former NBA sharpshooter turned head coach, is steering the Lakers towards a new strategic horizon. This shift comes with a greater emphasis on perimeter shooting, combined with a more dynamic offensive flow, marking a departure from previous seasons.
Redick, known for his three-point prowess during his playing days, has tasked himself with reigniting the Lakers' offensive identity. With the team having completed two regular-season matches, signs of this transformation are already visible, amidst mixed results. The preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors might have been a hiccup, but Redick’s larger game plan appears promising.
Emphasis on Perimeter Shooting
Redick's approach entails increasing the Lakers' three-point attempts by up to six per game. Under his guidance, the Lakers are currently averaging 28.5 three-point attempts per match, a statistic expected to climb as the season progresses. "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," Redick noted optimistically. This strategic shift underscores a proactive attempt to capitalize on modern NBA's emphasis on spacing and long-range shooting.
In the context of these changes, the Lakers’ performance against the Phoenix Suns offers a case in point. The team assisted on 33 of their 40 field goals, showcasing the fluidity and ball movement that Redick has been instilling. It’s a marked improvement from the previous season, where a lack of offensive dynamism was a prevalent critique.
Maintaining Strength in the Paint
While the Lakers pivot towards a more perimeter-oriented game, their prowess inside the paint remains undiminished. They outscored an opponent by an impressive 32 points in the paint during a clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves, ensuring that their hard-nosed interior game complements their rising perimeter attempts. This dual-threat approach is pivotal, as it prevents opponents from focusing their defensive efforts solely on the arc.
The Lakers' overall offensive strategy now includes a diverse array of cuts and movements off the ball, tallying a noteworthy 37 points off cuts in just two games — an indication of Redick's influence on player movement and spacing. With an average of 334 passes recorded in their season opener, compared to last season's 267.5, the Lakers are clearly embracing a more team-centric style.
Drawing Fouls and Capitalizing on Opportunities
The Lakers have also been aggressive in creating opportunities at the foul line, collecting 64 trips in their initial games. This aggressive stance not only reflects their balanced approach to offensive plays but also their ability to pressure defenses effectively. This facets into Redick’s vision of maintaining a robust inside game while amplifying perimeter threats.
As the season progresses, Redick's strategic implementation seems set to potentially define the Lakers' success. With an eye on modernizing their game approach, the increased attempt from beyond the arc and enhanced ball movement echo Redick's philosophy of blending tradition with innovation. Whether this balance translates into significant victories remains to be seen, but early indicators suggest a Lakers team ready to adapt and thrive under their new coach.