Redick Takes Over Lakers, Eyeing Sharper Shooting and Fluid Offense
In a surprising turn for the Los Angeles Lakers, JJ Redick, a former NBA sharpshooter turned coach, has taken the reins as head coach. Already, the Lakers have shown signs of a new strategic vision, aligned with Redick's focus on modernizing their offensive approach.
Transitioning to a Three-Point-Focused Game
Redick's aim is clear: increase the Lakers' three-point attempts significantly. “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 reflects, indicating his intentions to elevate the team's perimeter shooting. Currently, the Lakers are averaging 28.5 three-point attempts per game, a figure that Redick intends to raise by five or six more attempts per game.
This shift towards a three-point-heavy strategy comes in response to a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors on October 15, where the Lakers fell short, exposing potential gaps in long-range shooting capability. Redick’s strategy focuses not only on enhancing shooting but also on ensuring the shots come from well-executed plays.
Strengthening Inside Presence and Ball Movement
Beyond perimeter shooting, Redick is not neglecting the inside game. In their matchup against Minnesota, the Lakers outmatched their opponents with a commanding 32-point advantage in the paint. Additionally, the team has secured 64 trips to the foul line in just two games, underlining a robust presence near the rim. This dual focus aims to keep opponents guessing, with a powerful inside presence complementing improved perimeter shooting.
Addressing past criticisms of stagnant offensive movement, Redick is instilling a dynamic approach to playmaking. Last season, the Lakers were often criticized for their lack of offensive movement. In contrast, this season has seen a notable improvement, with the team averaging 18.5 points per game from cuts and an impressive 37 points off cuts thus far. Moreover, the Lakers recorded 334 passes in their season opener, up from an average of 267.5 passes per game last season, evidencing a more fluid and collaborative style of play.
Collaboration and Teamwork
The play against Phoenix further exemplified the team's progress under Redick, as the Lakers assisted on 33 of their 40 field goals. This exemplifies a commitment to teamwork and showcased the importance of shared responsibility and communication on the court. Redick's philosophy hinges on ensuring that every player is engaged and active, contributing to a cohesive unit rather than relying solely on star power.
With Redick at the helm, the Lakers are embarking on a transitional phase that marries modern basketball strategy with traditional Lakers grit. While the team has already played two regular-season games under Redick’s guidance, the journey is just beginning. His emphasis on increasing three-point attempts and maintaining a strong presence inside reflects a nuanced understanding of contemporary basketball dynamics.
The Los Angeles Lakers are a team with both promise and expectation. As they continue to adapt to Redick's innovative strategies, the potential for growth is expansive. The initial results reveal not only an evolving offensive strategy but also a more inclusive and energetic approach to the game, setting the stage for what could be an exciting season ahead.