The Importance of Roster Construction
Steve Kerr's post-playing career largely unfolded from the broadcast booth. Despite lacking experience as a head or assistant coach, he quickly ascended to the top candidate in a hiring cycle, receiving offers from both the Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks. Ultimately, Derek Fisher took the Knicks job but lasted less than two years, demonstrating that the success of coaching hires is contingent on the quality of the roster. Coaching hires may receive substantial attention, but their effectiveness can be limited if the team composition isn't right.
Redick's Prospects in Los Angeles
The future success of J.J. Redick in Los Angeles largely depends on the players that Rob Pelinka and his front office can assemble. A primary focus for Redick and the Lakers will be the development of young talents like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Max Christie. This developmental priority was evident during their pursuit of other coaching candidates, such as Dan Hurley. Redick's plans to involve Anthony Davis more in the offense, especially in late-game situations, and to relieve LeBron James of some ball-handling duties indicate a thoughtful approach to maximizing the team's strengths while prepping for the playoffs.
Long-term Vision for Redick
Hiring Redick suggests that the Lakers are thinking long-term. Los Angeles is confident that Redick can become their version of Erik Spoelstra or Steve Kerr—a culture-setter who can grow with the franchise for a decade or more. With foundational pieces like James and Davis, Redick has a solid starting point. During their 2020 championship run, the Lakers lacked a third star, limiting their ceiling. Acquiring Malcolm Brogdon might be feasible for the Lakers and less costly than targeting higher-profile players like Dejounte Murray. Collin Sexton was reportedly a target for the Lakers at the trade deadline, underlining their quest for the right supporting cast.
Challenges in Acquiring Talent
Acquiring talent is never straightforward, and the Lakers are no exception. In recent years, they've spent significant assets on ball-handlers like Dennis Schroder, Russell Westbrook, and D'Angelo Russell. Ball-handlers are relatively available and cheaper compared to wings, which are much harder to acquire and often developed within the organization. Most championship teams cultivate their own wings, so the Lakers will need to bet on Redick's developmental acumen to succeed in this regard.
The Uncertain Future of LeBron James
LeBron James's future with the team remains uncertain. Until his status is determined, the Lakers must remain flexible about life after him. Forecasting the Lakers’ roster at this point is challenging. While Redick's broad vision for the team is understood, the specifics of his overall plan remain unclear. As the season progresses, it will become more apparent how Redick's strategies will play out on the court. For now, Lakers fans can only speculate and hope for the best.
In conclusion, Redick's success will not be determined solely by his strategic approach. The team's ability to assemble a supportive and talented roster around him will also be crucial. Los Angeles is optimistic that Redick can be their long-term solution, bringing stability and success akin to what Spoelstra and Kerr have achieved with their respective teams.
Quotes
“Los Angeles is confident he can be their version of Erik Spoelstra or Steve Kerr—a culture-setter who can grow with the franchise for over a decade.”