NBA

How the Lakers Will Change Under JJ Redick

by
SaC Bot
September 28, 2024

The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a new era with JJ Redick as their head coach. After a season of ups and downs, the Lakers are ready to make adjustments to stay competitive.

The emergence of Redick is generating both excitement and curiosity in the prediction market at nongamstopcasinos.net.

With LeBron James still leading the charge, the question is whether Redick’s approach will bring the changes needed to return the team to title contention. Let’s look at what might be different for the Lakers under Redick’s leadership.

A New Start for LeBron and AD

LeBron James has been a dominant force for the Lakers since he joined in 2018. However, he’s entering his seventh season with the team, and there’s growing anticipation about how his role might evolve under Redick.

One key change might involve LeBron playing more off the ball, a concept discussed by the new coach. This doesn’t mean King James won’t have the ball in his hands, but Redick is expected to give others like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell more responsibility in creating plays. This shift could benefit LeBron by reducing the wear and tear on his body during a long season, allowing him to be more efficient during critical moments.

For Anthony Davis, Redick has already stated he plans to empower him to be a leader. Davis has struggled with injuries, but when healthy, he’s one of the league’s most dominant big men. The new coach wants AD to be in the MVP conversation, aiming for the consistency that has sometimes eluded him. If Davis stays fit, Redick might increase his role in both offensive and defensive plays.

Key Talking Points

LeBron may see reduced ball-handling duties.
Anthony Davis could play a larger role as the primary scorer.
Redick has promised to support Davis in his MVP ambitions.

A Stable Starting Lineup

One of the biggest issues the Lakers faced last season was inconsistency in their starting lineup. However, Redick seems keen to avoid this by sticking with a group that proved successful in the latter part of the season. The starting five will likely consist of D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.

This group performed well last season, posting an 18-6 record in 24 games. It provides a balance of shooting, playmaking, and defence, which Redick will want to capitalise on.

Here’s a breakdown of the expected starting five:

Player	Position	Key Role
D’Angelo Russell	Point Guard	Playmaking and scoring
Austin Reaves	Shooting Guard	Secondary playmaker and shooter
Rui Hachimura	Small Forward	Spacing and defensive versatility
LeBron James	Power Forward	Leadership and playmaking
Anthony Davis	Centre	Interior defence and scoring

This lineup gives the Lakers spacing, allowing LeBron and Davis to play more comfortably inside, while the guards spread the floor with their shooting. Additionally, Rui Hachimura offers a versatile defensive presence.

Adjustments in Half-Court Offence

Under previous coaches, the Lakers often struggled to generate consistent offence in the half-court. This was evident in games where their fast break opportunities were limited. Redick, being a sharp mind for spacing and movement, is expected to focus on improving their half-court efficiency.

He aims to create a system where players like Reaves and Russell can set screens for LeBron, who will act as a primary playmaker from different spots on the court. By doing so, Redick hopes to unlock more offensive options and make it difficult for opposing defences to predict their moves.

One strategy that Redick is likely to implement is utilising multiple players as screeners. This will help create mismatches, where smaller defenders get switched onto LeBron or Davis. For example, Reaves and Russell will be key in setting screens for LeBron, allowing him to either attack the basket or find the open man.

Improved Spacing

Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura will offer better shooting to open the floor.
More players, including LeBron, will be involved in off-ball movement.
Mismatches will be created through an effective screen setting.

Role of the Bench

While the starting five looks strong, there’s still a lot of pressure on the Lakers’ bench. Players like Jarred Vanderbilt, who is returning from injury, are crucial to the team’s success. Vanderbilt’s energy and defensive versatility were missed last season, particularly in rebounding and transition defence. His return will allow Redick to rotate Davis more freely and keep him fresh for crucial moments.

Another important piece off the bench is Rui Hachimura, who may find himself in a sixth-man role if Redick opts to start someone else in key games. Hachimura’s ability to score efficiently and defend multiple positions will provide stability for the second unit.

However, there are concerns about the depth of the roster. Several young and unproven players may need to step up, especially if injuries occur. Redick will need to manage this lack of experience carefully, balancing the development of younger players with the demands of competing for a championship.

What About Defence?

Defence has always been a priority for the Lakers, and under Redick, that won’t change. Anthony Davis remains the anchor of the defence, but Redick will need more from the supporting cast. Vanderbilt, when healthy, is key to covering multiple positions and adding energy.

LeBron may not be the defender he once was, but his IQ and ability to read plays still make him valuable. Redick will likely use LeBron in off-ball defensive schemes, allowing Davis and Vanderbilt to take on the more physically demanding roles.

Improving defensive rebounding will also be a focus, as the Lakers ranked lower in this category last season. With Davis and Vanderbilt both healthy, this should naturally improve, but Redick must ensure consistency from the entire roster.

Key Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimism surrounding Redick’s arrival, several challenges remain for the Lakers:

Injury Management: Both LeBron and Davis have struggled with injuries in recent seasons. Keeping them healthy will be essential for any championship run.
Depth Concerns: The bench needs more experience, and if key players are injured, the Lakers could find themselves relying on untested talent.
Chemistry: While the starting five have been effective, the integration of new players and the development of younger talent will take time.
LeBron’s Role: Finding the balance between empowering Anthony Davis while still utilising LeBron’s unique skill set could be tricky. Redick will need to navigate this carefully to keep both players effective.

Conclusion

JJ Redick’s arrival as the new head coach of the Lakers signals a potential shift in how the team approaches both offence and defence. While many elements of the Lakers’ success will remain the same, Redick’s focus on improved spacing, ball movement, and optimising the roles of key players like LeBron and Davis could give the team the edge they need to compete in a tough Western Conference. However, the biggest question mark will be health and depth, two factors that could make or break their season.

The Lakers certainly have the talent, but can JJ Redick unlock their full potential? Time will tell.

FAQ

How will JJ Redick change the Lakers’ offensive strategy?

JJ Redick is expected to improve spacing and ball movement, allowing more off-ball play for LeBron and giving others like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell more playmaking responsibilities.

Will LeBron play a different role under JJ Redick?

Yes, LeBron is likely to play off the ball more, reducing his ball-handling duties to preserve his energy and allow others to create plays.

What is the biggest challenge for the Lakers under JJ Redick?

Injury management for key players like LeBron and Anthony Davis remains the biggest challenge. Depth and roster consistency are also concerns.

How will Anthony Davis’ role change under Redick?

Redick plans to empower Anthony Davis to take on a larger role, potentially pushing him into the MVP conversation, with more offensive plays designed around him.

What is the expected starting lineup for the Lakers?

The expected starting five includes D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis, a lineup that proved successful last season.