The Importance of Roster Construction
Steve Kerr's post-playing career primarily unfolded in the broadcast booth, yet he quickly became a top candidate in the coaching cycle despite having no experience as a head or assistant coach. Both the Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks pursued him, a testament to his potential. Derek Fisher ultimately took the Knicks job, a tenure that lasted less than two years.
As much as we emphasize the significance of coaching hires, the reality is that they hold little weight if the team can't construct the right roster. J.J. Redick's success in Los Angeles will hinge significantly on the players that Rob Pelinka and his front office can assemble. A major focus will be the development of young talents like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Max Christie. This developmental priority was underscored 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, aiming to alleviate LeBron James' ball-handling duties and keep him fresh for the playoffs. Trae Young's fit with the Lakers could make sense based on several criteria, reflecting the balance the team seeks in its offensive strategy.
Redick’s Long-term Potential
The hiring of Redick indicates that the Lakers are taking a long-term view. 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 LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the team has a solid starting point.
However, during their 2020 championship run, the Lakers lacked a third star, which limited their ceiling. Acquiring someone like Malcolm Brogdon could be more affordable than trying to bring in a player of Dejounte Murray's caliber. Collin Sexton was reportedly a target for the Lakers at the trade deadline, highlighting the team's search for talent.
Challenges in Acquiring Talent
Ball-handling is generally a more accessible and affordable skill to obtain in the market. The Lakers have spent significant assets on players like Dennis Schroder, Russell Westbrook, and D'Angelo Russell in recent years. Wings, however, are much harder to come by and are often developed within the organization. Most championship teams cultivate their own wings, and the Lakers appear ready to bet on Redick's developmental acumen in this area.
The Uncertain Future of LeBron James
LeBron James' future is far from guaranteed. Until his future is secured, the Lakers must remain flexible about life without him. Projecting the Lakers’ roster at this point is challenging. While we understand the broad strokes of how Redick wants to build the team, concrete details on the overall plan are still lacking.
As the season progresses, it will become clearer how Redick's vision will translate on the court, but for now, Lakers fans can only speculate and hope for the best. Redick's success will not be determined solely by his strategies; it will hinge on how effectively the team can assemble a supportive and talented roster around him.
"Los Angeles is confident he can be their version of Erik Spoelstra or Steve Kerr—a culture-setter who can grow with the franchise for over a decade."