New Coaching Era Begins for Lakers with JJ Redick
As the Los Angeles Lakers look to turn the page on the Darvin Ham era, there's a palpable sense of anticipation around the newly appointed head coach, JJ Redick. The transition comes on the back of an intriguing season and a tantalizing lineup adjustment that prompted mixed reactions from fans and analysts alike.
During the 2023-24 NBA season, Darvin Ham, then the head coach, saw his team struggle to a 21-22 record over the first 43 games. Despite these challenges, a pivotal game on January 21 against the Portland Trail Blazers brought a glimpse of hope. In this 44th game of the season, Ham decided to start LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura together for the first time.
The new starting five did not disappoint. The Lakers emerged victorious against the Trail Blazers, a win that set the tone for a successful run with this lineup. The new unit compiled an impressive 18-6 record, demonstrating their effectiveness by outscoring opponents by 5.5 points per 100 possessions. This success seemingly hinged on the chemistry and talent distribution within the starting lineup.
However, the combination of Reaves and Russell in the backcourt revealed potential defensive vulnerabilities. With Reaves and Russell both being more offensively inclined, it placed additional defensive pressure on Anthony Davis, who had to shoulder a significant load protecting the paint. Rui Hachimura’s primary role being not as a perimeter defender further complicated defensive schemes, forcing the Lakers to rely heavily on Davis's prowess.
As the season progressed, it became evident that while the Lakers had found an effective offensive strategy, the defensive side of the ball required more cohesion. LeBron James’s on-court intelligence remained a crucial factor. As JJ Redick noted, "LeBron is one of the smartest players, and I think using him as a screener and finding ways to get him the ball in specific spots on the floor where he can be a facilitator and scorer, that's what I mean by being off the ball." Redick’s insights into leveraging LeBron’s multifaceted skills suggest a nuanced approach to unlocking the King’s full potential in the upcoming season.
With Redick now steering the ship, the Lakers aim to refine this balance between offensive firepower and defensive integrity. The early schedule for the 2024-25 season will be a litmus test for Redick’s new strategies, featuring key matchups against the Timberwolves, twice against the Suns, the Kings, and the Cavaliers. These games will offer an early glimpse into how Redick’s philosophies translate on the court and whether the foundational changes implemented by Ham will continue to bear fruit.
The success of the top five talents – James, Davis, Reaves, Russell, and Hachimura – will be crucial. With James and Davis still at the heart of the team’s strategy, their ability to integrate seamlessly with younger talents and adapt to Redick’s system will be under scrutiny. The role of Reaves and Russell as dual guards introduces versatility but also demands heightened defensive execution from the rest of the team.
As the Lakers embark on this new chapter, there's cautious optimism surrounding Redick’s ability to mold the team into a more cohesive unit. His reputation as a sharp basketball mind and his fresh perspective could be the catalyst the Lakers need to elevate their performance in the 2024-25 season.