The winds of change are swirling through the Los Angeles Lakers organization, with former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick at the helm as the new head coach. In the early stages of the current season, Redick has injected a fresh energy and strategic shift that has the team’s performance showing promising signs, albeit with room for improvement.
Redick's Vision: A Perimeter Assault
Redick’s arrival comes with a clear mandate: amplify the Lakers’ offensive versatility by bolstering their perimeter shooting. Historically a team known for its physical play under the basket, the Lakers are now aiming for a more diverse scoring threat. This transformation is central to Redick's vision, with the goal being to increase the team’s average 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,” said Redick, underscoring his ambition for this Lakers squad to adapt to an increasingly perimeter-oriented league.
Averaging 28.5 three-point attempts per game so far, the Lakers have some distance to cover to meet Redick’s ambitious benchmarks. The shift will require not just a change in strategy, but also a cultural evolution within the team that emphasizes outside shooting as a cornerstone of their style of play.
Promising Signs in Offensive Movement
In addressing criticisms of a stagnant offense from last season, the Lakers are off to a promising start. Already, they have displayed a significant improvement in ball movement and player dynamics on the court. An enlightening statistic from their season opener shows the Lakers recorded 334 passes, a substantial increase from last season’s average of 267.5. This increase highlights a more fluid and interactive style of play that could be instrumental in achieving Redick’s strategic goals.
The offensive improvements are not limited to passing alone. This season, the Lakers have scored 37 points off cuts, averaging 18.5 points per game. This figure marks a significant departure from the static play that had plagued them previously. In their game against Phoenix, the Lakers’ teamwork shone through, assisting on 33 of their 40 field goals—a remarkable feat that reflects the team’s commitment to cohesiveness and shared success.
Physical Presence: A Dual Strategy
While Redick is focused on enhancing perimeter shooting, the Lakers are determined not to abandon their traditionally strong inside game. In fact, this balanced approach was on display during a game against Minnesota where they outscored their opponents by 32 points in the paint. Maintaining this dual-threat approach is vital to the Lakers' strategy, ensuring that they remain unpredictable and versatile against varying defensive setups.
The team’s aggressive style has also led to an impressive 64 trips to the foul line over just two games, demonstrating their continued prowess and tenacity in driving towards the basket. This duality in offense provides a multifaceted challenge for opponents, forcing them to guard against both perimeter and interior threats.
Building Towards a New Era
Despite a preseason hiccup—a loss to the Golden State Warriors—the Lakers’ trajectory suggests the team is building towards a cohesive blend of old and new styles. Under Redick’s stewardship, they are cultivating an environment where ball movement, perimeter shots, and inside strength are not mutually exclusive but part of an integrated offensive identity.
As the season progresses, the Lakers' true potential under Redick’s guidance will be further unveiled. The tactical changes underway promise a compelling narrative of growth and adaptation, heralding a possible renaissance for a storied franchise. For now, the quest to balance increased three-point attempts with a firm grip on traditional strengths is just beginning, with Redick steering the ship towards what could be a bright new chapter in Lakers history.