Lakers Embrace New Philosophy Under Redick's Command
In a surprising off-season move, the Los Angeles Lakers appointed JJ Redick as their new head coach. Known for his sharp shooting and basketball intelligence during his playing days, Redick has wasted no time in putting his stamp on the Lakers' play style. As the team embarks on the current season, it is clear they are undergoing a strategic transformation focused on expanding offensive horizons and invigorating movement on the court.
The Lakers have already played two regular-season games, setting the stage for early analysis. The team demonstrated its evolving dynamics, albeit with mixed results. Though a preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors on October 15 served as a hiccup, the Lakers displayed promising elements of Redick's system even in defeat.
Increased Perimeter Focus
Central to Redick’s strategy is a bolstered emphasis on three-point shooting. Under his guidance, the Lakers aim to significantly increase their perimeter attempts. Redick himself has expressed ambition to see his team "take 40 3s in a game, that's promising. It's promising. We can get it up to 50, hopefully, but 40 is good." This represents a marked shift from the team’s previous strategy, as they currently average 28.5 three-point attempts per game. Redick's goal is to increase this number by five or six more attempts per game, pushing the Lakers further into modern basketball's three-point era.
In their quest to improve from beyond the arc, the Lakers haven't neglected their traditional strengths. The team showed dominance under the basket by outscoring Minnesota by 32 points in the paint, showcasing a balanced approach that fuses old and new elements harmoniously. Moreover, they made frequent visits to the foul line, earning 64 trips in just two games, further emphasizing their intent to maintain an aggressive style of play.
Revitalized Offense
Last season, the Lakers were on the receiving end of criticism for a stagnant offensive approach. This year, things appear different. Through only two games, the Lakers have proven they can maintain activity and creativity on offense, chalking up 37 points off cuts, averaging an impressive 18.5 points per game from these dynamic plays.
Pivotal to this rejuvenation is the evident increase in ball movement. In their season opener, the Lakers recorded a staggering 334 passes compared to last season’s average of 267.5 passes per game. Such statistics hint at a concerted effort to ensure every player is involved, keeping defenses on their toes and facilitating open looks from various positions on the court.
Their game plan against Phoenix further underscored this newly embraced philosophy. The Lakers assisted on 33 of their 40 field goals, a stat that mirrors Redick’s commitment to a fluid, unselfish style of basketball that promotes sharing the ball and fostering teamwork.
Balancing Act
Despite the increased focus on the perimeter, the Lakers' versatility remains their greatest asset. With Redick's direction, the team is tasked with walking the fine line between enhancing their three-point shooting and maintaining their potency closer to the basket. It’s a dual emphasis that appears to engage the entire roster, leveraging their diverse skill sets.
As the Lakers continue to refine their approach, it stands out that Redick’s leadership is more than just about numbers or novelty. It’s about establishing a culture that embodies adaptability, resilience, and improvement both on and off the court. While the changes are in a state of evolution, the early signs of increased offensive movement and strategic depth are hard to ignore.
For the storied franchise grasping at ways to return to elite status, this season under Redick’s tenure could very well serve as a pivotal turning point. Whether or not this new system translates to sustained success is to be seen, but in taking such strides towards a progressive play style, the Lakers have piqued intrigue and set the pace for an exciting season ahead.