Bringing on a first-time head coach has its challenges, especially when dealing with experienced players like Anthony Davis and LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to appoint JJ Redick implies that they expect great communication between the coach and their seasoned players.
Given the intense expectation from fans and management to win, Redick’s steady drive and ability to remain calm under duress are essential. These are some of the skills Redick will need to succeed in his new role after retiring from playing.
Given the uncertainties surrounding Redick’s coaching expertise, the Lakers proceeded with caution, holding thorough discussions with him regarding his coaching philosophy.
JJ Redick, coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, spoke at a press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center about his intended system for the team.
During the Summer League broadcast on ESPN, JJ Redick stated that the Lakers were substantially more productive while running scripted plays last season than when playing in a more random style. He anticipates a more regimented approach next season.
“We’ve got LeBron and AD on our team. Those individuals are clearly going to be offensive hubs. But we’re going to play with more movement and cutting, and we’ll need everyone’s buy-in to do so,” Redick told Ryan Ward.
Redick’s key lesson is that he wants to center the team’s approach around Davis. Examples of similarly utilized big guys are Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, and Nikola Jokić.
All three big guys had more time with the ball than Davis, averaging more points and attempting more shots.
Anthony Davis is assuming a much bigger role.
If Redick puts AD as an offensive hub, allowing him to take more shot attempts, he may solve a major fan complaint: Davis becoming passive and disappearing offensively.
Asking Davis to take on more responsibilities is a reasonable request. The nine-time All-Star averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 76 games for Los Angeles in 2023-24. These numbers were comparable to James’ average of 25.7 points.
Given Davis’ youth compared to James’ age, expanding Davis’ offensive role could benefit LeBron’s career longevity.
Davis has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, but his career-high 76 games last season were a significant improvement. Maintaining good health will be critical for him to take on a larger role, although his strong performance in 2023-24 provides some hope for this possibility.
LeBron James Off-Ball
Redick’s aim for LeBron is to get him to play more off the ball. The All-Star forward had a career-high 41 percent 3-point shooting accuracy this season, but he only attempted 5.1 triples a game, his lowest since his final season with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017-18.
Redick enhancing Anthony Davis’ role, particularly in late-game scenarios, and lowering LeBron James’ primary ball-handling responsibilities by using him off the ball more could be the difference between James earning his fifth title and Davis getting his second.
The Lakers ended 47-35 and were eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. With the addition of Redick and draft picks Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, the Lakers hope to improve their standing in the loaded Western Conference.
