Reflecting on the Los Angeles Lakers' early performance this season, it's clear that JJ Redick’s appointment as head coach has already begun to shape the team's dynamics. After playing two regular-season games, the Lakers are demonstrating a concerted effort to adapt their strategy—with a strong emphasis on enhancing their perimeter shooting while retaining a robust inside presence.
Strategic Changes Under Redick
One of the most noticeable strategic alterations this season is the push to increase three-point shooting. Redick has set an ambitious target, aiming to increase the Lakers’ attempts by five or six more per game. Currently, they are averaging 28.5 three-point attempts. Redick expresses optimism about this trajectory, stating, "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."
This shift towards embracing perimeter opportunities is a marked change for a team that, last season, faced criticism for lack of offensive movement. Redick's approach seems to be invigorating the Lakers’ gameplay with increased dynamism and offensive variety.
Offensive Movement and Efficiency
The statistics reflect a significant enhancement in the Lakers' offensive movement. Last season, the team averaged 267.5 passes per game, but this has surged to 334 in their season opener this year. This increase is not merely numerical; it's qualitative. The deft passing has facilitated the scoring of 37 points off cuts, averaging 18.5 per game, showcasing a fluid and effectively mobile offensive strategy. The emphasis on movement is beginning to pay dividends on the scoreboard.
Combining Inside and Outside Play
While the Lakers strive to flourish on the perimeter, they have not neglected their traditionally strong inside game. Against Minnesota, the Lakers outscored their opponents by 32 points in the paint, demonstrating their balanced approach. This dual threat strengthens their overall game, making them a more formidable opponent.
Further emphasizing their inside strength, the Lakers have earned 64 trips to the foul line over just two games. This willingness to drive into the paint and draw fouls complements their newfound perimeter ambitions, ensuring opponents cannot become complacent against either aspect of their offense.
Improvements Amidst Challenges
There are lessons to be gleaned from early setbacks as well. In the preseason, the Lakers suffered a loss at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, a sobering reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. However, this exposure has evidently prompted soul-searching and recalibration, leading to their current form.
A particularly encouraging performance came against Phoenix, where the Lakers assisted on 33 of their 40 field goals—a testament to unselfish play and efficient ball distribution. Such performances underline Redick’s ability to instill a pass-friendly philosophy that could be pivotal over the course of a long season.
The current phase of the season is about laying foundations and setting the tone. With Redick at the helm, the Lakers are finding a new identity, one that balances the historical bruising intensity with modern shooting techniques. As the games progress, it will be intriguing to see how these strategies develop and whether the Lakers can fulfill the promise that Redick, with his fresh perspective, envisages.