As the new NBA season begins, a familiar face has taken the helm of the Los Angeles Lakers: JJ Redick. With a clear vision and a transformative strategy, Redick is setting out to reinvigorate a Lakers squad that struggled with offensive coherence last season. At the heart of his game plan is an emphasis on perimeter shooting coupled with maintaining a strong presence inside, a balance that could redefine how the Lakers approach both ends of the court.
An Emphasis on the Perimeter
JJ Redick’s influence has been quickly felt through the Lakers' increased focus on three-point attempts. Historically, the Lakers have been criticized for their lack of offensive movement, but this season marks a significant shift. With an average of 28.5 three-point attempts per game, Redick is not only meeting expectations but aiming higher. "If you look at it, for us and our group to take 40 3s in a game, that's promising," Redick noted. "It's promising. We can get it up to 50, hopefully, but 40 is good."
This approach has fostered a more dynamic offensive system, as seen in their recent preseason and regular-season games. Despite a preseason setback against the Golden State Warriors, Redick remains undeterred. His vision is clear: augment the Lakers' offensive arsenal by increasing their three-point strategies by five or six more attempts per game.
Success Inside the Paint
While the perimeter game has been a focus, the Lakers have not neglected their dominance inside the paint. In a recent matchup against Minnesota, the Lakers outscored their opponents by 32 points in this crucial area, a testament to their dual-threat capability. The inside game complements Redick's perimeter strategy, making the Lakers a balanced offensive threat.
The team’s ability to draw fouls also plays a critical role in their game plan, with the Lakers earning 64 trips to the foul line in just two games. This strategy not only disrupts opponents but also creates opportunities for efficient scoring, underpinning Redick’s comprehensive approach to offense.
Offensive Movement and Passing
Another transformative element in Redick’s game plan is increased offensive movement, which was notably absent in previous seasons. This season, the Lakers have already scored 37 points off cuts, averaging 18.5 points per game from this tactic alone. Such movement acidifies their offensive schemes, opening up the floor for shooters and creating mismatches inside.
Redick's impact is most evident in the passing game. In their season opener, the Lakers recorded an impressive 334 passes, a stark contrast to last season's average of 267.5 passes per game. This increased ball movement is not just about quantity; it's about quality. In a game against Phoenix, the Lakers assisted on 33 of their 40 field goals, showcasing their evolution into a more selfless and fluid team.
Redefining Expectations
The early signs of Redick’s influence indicate a promising transformation for the Lakers. This season is distinct from last, characterized by movement, teamwork, and an ambitious offensive strategy that prioritizes three-point attempts while leveraging their strengths inside. Redick’s vision of a balanced team is already yielding results, suggesting that the Lakers are on the road to becoming a formidable force in the league. As the season progresses, the NBA community will be watching closely to see how these strategic shifts impact the Lakers' overall performance.