The Los Angeles Lakers have undergone a major transformation this summer, shaking up their coaching staff in a bold move. In a surprising decision, the Lakers replaced head coach Darvin Ham with former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick. Despite having no prior coaching experience, Redick's illustrious playing career and promising stint in sports media have set the stage for a new chapter in Lakers' history.
A New Vision
The Lakers' president, Jeanie Buss, shared her thoughts on the pivot towards Redick. "We wanted to kind of think a different way. Really, he's got a vision. I’m not comfortable talking about the basketball stuff, but we were looking for a candidate that would bring something different and really invest in developing young players. JJ is the right person for us." Buss emphasized the need for patience, adding, "Again, I just want to work to really speak for itself, so I don’t want to hype it and say it’s gonna be a home run. We have to give him time to establish what he wants to establish."
Redick, known for his analytical mind and deep understanding of the game, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Lakers' strategy. One of his primary goals is to increase the team's three-point attempts, contrasting sharply with the Lakers' previous ranking of 28th in three-point attempts per game (31.4) under Ham. Redick also plans to improve the team's offensive rebounding, an area where the Lakers ranked 29th last season with an offensive rebounding rate of 24.4.
Experienced Assistance
To aid in his transition from player to head coach, Redick will be backed by a team of seasoned assistants. Veterans Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding are joining Redick on the bench, providing a wealth of experience. Buss expressed her confidence in the new coaching staff, stating, "I’m really impressed with his staff. Right now, it’s not mandatory for the players to come in and practice, but players are coming in and working out. The coaching staff with Nate McMillan and Scotty Brooks, there’s a lot of experience that will be there for him to make that adjustment to being a head coach."
During his celebrated 12-year career in the NBA, Redick became well-versed in the intricacies of the league, a fact that Buss believes will aid him in his new role. "Certainly, a 12-year career in the league, he's got a lot of experience. He knows what this league is about, and I think he'll be a great leader."
A Focus on Player Development
Redick's coaching ethos is centered around player development and fostering a positive team culture. He aims to run more organized offensive sets and prioritize maximizing each player's potential. "The pursuit of greatness can't be miserable. Every day that somebody walks in this building, they have to enjoy it," Redick explained. "I think part of being a coach, right, is, like, 'Can I maximize each player?' That helps maximize the group. And does everybody in the building, not just the players and staff, does everybody in the building enjoy coming to work every day? That's sort of on me to create that culture."
Under Ham, the Lakers were fourth in post-up possessions per game last season (7.3) and finished 15th in offensive rating (115.4). While these statistics are respectable, Redick is determined to elevate the team's performance through strategic adjustments and a focus on improving specific areas.
True to his analytical nature, Redick encapsulated his approach succinctly: "I'm going to use math." This statement underscores his intent to leverage data and analytics to shape the Lakers' gameplay, a departure from traditional coaching philosophies.
A New Chapter Begins
As the Lakers embark on this new journey under Redick's leadership, the basketball world watches with anticipation. The combination of Redick's fresh perspective, the experienced support staff, and a commitment to player development could very well signal a new era of success for the storied franchise. Yet, as Buss wisely noted, it will take time for Redick to establish his vision. Patience and trust in the process will be essential as the Lakers strive to reclaim their place atop the NBA hierarchy.