In a surprising turn of events for the Los Angeles Lakers, former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick has taken the helm as head coach, marking a new era for one of basketball’s most storied franchises. Known for his perimeter prowess during his playing days, Redick has already begun to imprint his basketball philosophy on a team that last season suffered criticism for its stagnation on offense. His vision is clear: elevate the Lakers' three-point game while maintaining a formidable presence inside.
Redick’s Vision for the Lakers
Under Redick's leadership, the Lakers are pushing to expand their offensive arsenal significantly. One of his key objectives is to increase the team's three-point shooting attempts by a substantial margin. Currently averaging 28.5 attempts per game beyond the arc, Redick ambitiously sets his sights higher, targeting an additional five to six shots per game. "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 stated recently, underscoring his commitment to making the Lakers a more dynamic offensive team.
This strategic push was evident in their preseason match against the Golden State Warriors on October 15, although it ended in a loss. Nonetheless, such games are proving to be crucial for Redick to assess and fine-tune his team’s new dynamics before the stakes rise in the regular season.
Performance on Both Ends of the Court
The emphasis on three-point shooting does not equate to neglecting the traditional strengths of the Lakers. The team continues to exhibit dominance in the paint, outscoring opponents by a significant 32 points in their recent clash with Minnesota. Complementing this interior prowess is the Lakers' ability to draw fouls, with 64 free-throw attempts across two regular-season games—a testament to their aggressive approach on offense.
In contrast to the previous season's criticisms about lackluster movement, the Lakers are now demonstrating a notable increase in offensive activity and fluidity. They recorded 334 passes in their season opener, a marked improvement from last season’s average of 267.5. This statistic highlights a more collaborative and dynamic offensive approach, emphasizing teamwork and movement to create scoring opportunities.
Adapting and Improving
The Lakers' passing game has not only improved numerically but also in quality. Against Phoenix, they assisted on 33 of their 40 field goals, showing that the team isn’t just moving the ball more, but is doing so effectively. These figures provide a promising outlook on Redick’s impact and the potential for this storied team to reclaim its place among the NBA's elite offensive units.
Simultaneously, the Lakers have focused on scoring through off-ball movement, already amassing 37 points from cuts, averaging an impressive 18.5 points per game from these maneuvers. This facet of the game not only diversifies the Lakers’ offensive strategy but also keeps opponents on their heels, preventing them from solely concentrating on perimeter defense.
A Promising Direction
As the regular season unfolds, Redick's vision for a well-rounded and potent Lakers offense is starting to take shape. While challenges remain, especially in terms of meeting the newly set benchmarks for three-point attempts, the Lakers are heading in a promising direction. By marrying a strong interior game with increased perimeter action, Redick and his Lakers endeavor to write the next successful chapter in their illustrious history.
Ultimately, while the push for three-pointers captures headlines, the real story is in the balance Redick is striving to achieve: an adaptable, versatile offense capable of challenging any defense. The upcoming games will be key in testing Redick’s strategies, but the initial signs, marked by increased passing, off-the-ball movement, and heightened offensive flexibility, certainly give Lakers fans reason to be optimistic.