JJ Redick's Impactful Start as Lakers' Head Coach
In an unexpected twist this NBA season, JJ Redick has successfully taken on the mantle of the head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. It's a move many didn't see coming, but his early tenure already shows promise. With the Lakers having played two regular-season games, Redick's strategies are drawing attention, not just for his acumen, but also for the immediate impact they're having on the court.
Evolution of the Lakers' Offense
One of Redick’s most ambitious goals for the team has been to broaden their offensive scope, focusing particularly on increasing three-point attempts. "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 commented, clearly setting an ambitious target for his squad. Currently, the Lakers are averaging 28.5 three-point attempts per game, which already marks a shift from their previous strategies.
The focus on perimeter shooting doesn't mean the Lakers are neglecting their inside game. On the contrary, their ability to dominate in the paint is a centerpiece of their strategy, as evidenced by their standout performance against Minnesota, where they outscored their opponents by a formidable 32 points in this area. This balance is indicative of a team prepared to adapt and evolve, maintaining a strong inside game while becoming more formidable beyond the arc.
Significant Improvements from Last Season
Last season, the criticism aimed at the Lakers regarding a lack of offensive movement has not been forgotten. Redick seems committed to ensuring this narrative doesn't repeat itself. This season, the team has noticeably ramped up their activity on the floor. The Lakers have already scored 37 points off cuts, averaging an impressive 18.5 points per game from this tactic alone, which highlights their newfound fluidity and dynamism in offense.
Moreover, passing—a fundamental aspect ensuring good ball movement—has seen a significant uplift. In their season opener, the Lakers recorded 334 passes, a considerable increase from last season's average of 267.5 per game. This surge in passing provides a foundation for improved collaboration on the court, facilitating better scoring opportunities and demonstrating a clear shift towards a more team-oriented approach.
Off the Charts with Assists
The Lakers' ability to facilitate plays was particularly on display during their matchup against Phoenix, where they assisted on an impressive 33 out of 40 field goals. Such statistics are telling of a team that is not only sharing the ball but doing so efficiently, creating high-percentage scoring opportunities for one another.
Redick's Vision for the Future
Despite a preseason setback against the Golden State Warriors, where they lost, the Lakers appear poised to capitalize on Redick’s fresh approach. Having earned 64 trips to the foul line in their opening two games speaks volumes of their aggressive playstyle and ability to draw fouls, further hinting at a team determined to challenge defenses both from the perimeter and inside the key.
In the early stages of this new era under JJ Redick, there's an undeniable sense of optimism surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers. Redick's focus on augmenting three-point attempts while doubling down on inside scoring is setting a promising trajectory for the team. If the Lakers can sustain and expand on these initial improvements, they might very well be on their way to redefining their game and reclaiming their position as a powerhouse in the NBA landscape.