In a surprising turn of events for NBA fans, former star player JJ Redick has taken the helm as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, stepping into a role that promises both challenges and opportunities. Redick, known for his sharp shooting and analytical prowess during his playing days, has set his sights on a broader and more dynamic offensive strategy for the iconic franchise.
Strategizing a New Offense
Under Redick's leadership, the Lakers are attempting to evolve their game plan, a shift that includes an increased emphasis on perimeter shooting. The team, which has historically excelled with its inside presence, now aims to balance its attack by improving its three-point game. Redick wants to see the team increase their three-point attempts by five or six more per game, with current statistics showing an average of 28.5 attempts per match from beyond the arc.
Emphasizing the potential shift, Redick commented, "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." These words reflect a clear intention to not just diversify the offensive palette of the Lakers but to make three-point shooting an integral part of their overall strategy.
Balancing the Offense
Despite the newfound focus on enhancing their outside shooting, the Lakers have not lost sight of their dominant inside game. In a testament to their powerful play close to the basket, they outscored Minnesota by an impressive 32 points in the paint. Additionally, their aggressive approach has led to 64 trips to the foul line over just two games, demonstrating an ability to draw fouls and capitalize on free-throw opportunities.
Redick's game plan appears to involve a multifaceted offense that leverages the team's strengths both inside and on the perimeter. This dual focus seeks to address past critiques regarding the Lakers' lack of offensive movement, which last season failed to meet expectations. The team's current statistics affirm a marked improvement in this area, with 37 points scored off cuts in two games, averaging 18.5 points per game from such plays.
Increasing Pace and Ball Movement
The shift in strategy doesn't stop there. The Lakers are making strides in ball distribution, a critical component of modern basketball. Compared to last season's average of 267.5 passes per game, the Lakers recorded a notable 334 passes in their season opener, a leap that not only keeps defenders guessing but also stretches the opposition defense.
Assisting on 33 of their 40 field goals in a game against Phoenix further emphasizes the team's newfound commitment to sharing the ball and creating high percentage shots. This increase in ball movement reflects a concerted effort to involve more players in scoring opportunities and maintain an unrelenting pace on both ends of the court.
A Season of Transition
The Lakers are clearly in a period of transition, underpinned by Redick's bold vision for the team. The aim is to blend past strengths with new strategies, creating an offense that can adapt to varying game situations. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes manifest over the course of the season and whether the Lakers can recapture their status as a dominant force in the league.
As the regular season unfolds, Redick’s Los Angeles Lakers are poised to bring a new brand of basketball to the Staples Center, one that promises excitement, depth, and renewed hope for a team determined to write a successful chapter in its storied history.