In a surprising development, JJ Redick, known for his sharp shooting during his playing days, is now steering the Los Angeles Lakers as their head coach. It appears Redick is eager to leave his mark on the Purple and Gold by shifting their offensive strategy, particularly focusing on bolstering their three-point game.
A Strategic Shift
Redick, taking the reins of one of the NBA's most storied franchises, is making three-point shooting a priority for the team. The Lakers currently average 28.5 three-point attempts per game, but Redick has set a more ambitious target. "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," he remarked. This statement underscores his commitment to transforming the Lakers' offense with a greater emphasis on perimeter shots.
In the early days of the season, the Lakers have managed to play two regular-season games. Although specifics about the outcomes have not been provided, it’s clear Redick’s vision aims to increase offensive output through strategic ball movement and shooting.
Offensive Dynamics
Beyond the arc, the Lakers' offensive strategy is underpinned by a balanced approach that includes strong play inside the paint. In a matchup against Minnesota, the team outscored their opponents by a staggering 32 points in the paint, demonstrating their ability to exploit the interior just as efficiently as the perimeter. Furthermore, the team’s aggressive play has earned them 64 trips to the foul line in just two games, which is indicative of their commitment to challenging defenses both inside and out.
Perhaps more notable is the evolution in the team’s passing game. The Lakers recorded 334 passes in their season opener, a significant boost from last season's 267.5 passes per game average. With these increased ball movements, the Lakers have been able to score 37 points off cuts, translating to an average of 18.5 points per game. The apparent shift towards a more dynamic and fluid offensive style marks a departure from last season, where the team was often criticized for a lack of offensive movement.
Team Performance and Aspirations
In one of their contests against a formidable Phoenix squad, the Lakers demonstrated their offensive efficiency with 33 assists on 40 field goals. This level of ball distribution has highlighted the changes Redick has implemented, focusing on team play and shared responsibility for scoring. Such performances signal a team that is not only adapting to a new style but also thriving with it.
The team’s preseason performance, however, has not been without its setbacks. They endured a loss against the Golden State Warriors on October 15. While preseason results are often not wholly reflective of a team's potential during the regular season, such games can serve as vital learning experiences for a team and coaching staff refining their strategies.
The focus on increasing three-point attempts by five or six more per game is planned to complement their solid inside game. The integration of high-volume perimeter play with potent interior scoring could make the Lakers a formidable opponent on both ends of the floor.
With JJ Redick at the helm, the Lakers aim to redefine their offensive identity while maintaining the essence of the franchise's winning tradition. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to observe how one of basketball's great shooting talents from the floor manages to translate that prowess into coaching success on the sidelines.