The Importance of Roster Construction
Steve Kerr's transition from broadcast booth to NBA coaching hasn't been without challenges, but his case underscores the importance of roster construction. Kerr was a standout candidate despite lacking experience as a head or assistant coach. The Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks both pursued him, but Kerr chose the Warriors, a decision that paid off handsomely. Meanwhile, Derek Fisher, who took the Knicks job, lasted less than two years. This contrast highlights a crucial point in professional basketball: coaching hires can only do so much if the team’s roster isn't right. The fate of a coach, in many ways, is intertwined with the pieces he has to work with.
JJ Redick's success in Los Angeles hinges on the players that General Manager Rob Pelinka and his front office can provide. A major focus will be the development of young talents like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Max Christie. This developmental priority was evident even during the pursuit of other coaching candidates like Dan Hurley.
Offensive Strategy Adjustments
Redick plans to involve Anthony Davis more in the offense, especially in late-game situations. One of his major goals is to lighten LeBron James' ball-handling duties to keep LeBron fresh for the playoffs. This indicates a significant shift in the Lakers' offensive strategies, aiming to maximize Davis’s contributions while preserving James's longevity. Additionally, Trae Young's fit with the Lakers has been theorized based on several of these criteria, though no concrete moves have materialized as yet.
Redick’s Long-term Potential
Redick’s hiring implies that the Lakers are thinking more long-term. Los Angeles is confident that Redick can be their version of Erik Spoelstra or Steve Kerr—a culture-setter who can grow with the franchise for over a decade. With foundational pieces like James and Davis, it's a solid starting point. During their 2020 championship run, the Lakers didn’t have a third star, which limited their ceiling. A third formidable player could further unlock the team’s potential, and names like Malcolm Brogdon and Collin Sexton have been linked with the Lakers in recent times.
Challenges in Acquiring Talent
Acquiring new talent is critical but challenging. Ball-handling tends to be a relatively available and cheap commodity in the market. The Lakers have spent significant assets on players like Dennis Schroder, Russell Westbrook, and D'Angelo Russell in recent years. However, wings are much harder to come by and are often developed within the organization. Most championship teams cultivate their own wings. The Lakers appear ready to bet on Redick's developmental acumen in this regard, hoping he can mold the young talents into valuable assets.
The Uncertain Future of LeBron James
Another significant factor is the uncertain future of LeBron James. James isn't a lock to return, and until his future is secured, the Lakers must remain flexible about life after him. There's no easy way to project the Lakers’ roster at this point. While we understand the broad strokes of how Redick wants to build the team, we lack concrete details on the overall plan. As the season progresses, it will become clearer how Redick's vision will translate on the court. For now, Lakers fans can only speculate and hope for the best.
Ultimately, Redick's success will not be determined solely by his strategies. It will be determined by how well the team can assemble a supportive and talented roster around him. As much importance as we assign to coaching hires, the players on the court will always play the decisive role. Los Angeles is confident Redick can be their long-term answer, but that belief will need to be backed up by wise roster moves and successful player development.
As one insider noted, “Los Angeles is confident Redick can be their version of Erik Spoelstra or Steve Kerr—a culture-setter who can grow with the franchise for over a decade.”