The Los Angeles Lakers have undergone a significant transformation this summer, completely overhauling their coaching staff. In an unexpected move, the team replaced head coach Darvin Ham with former NBA player JJ Redick. Notably, Redick steps into this role without any previous coaching experience. However, his celebrated playing career and promising work in sports media have left many with high expectations.
New Leadership for a Storied Franchise
The decision to appoint Redick reflects a bold and visionary approach by the Lakers' management. Jeanie Buss, the president of the Lakers, explained the rationale behind this unconventional choice. "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 stated.
JJ Redick's lack of coaching experience is mitigated by the extensive NBA knowledge he accrued over his 12-year career. His familiarity with the league and its demands is expected to lend him an edge as he transitions to coaching. Buss shared her confidence in this aspect, saying, "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 Robust Support System
Redick isn't tackling this new challenge alone. The Lakers have assembled an experienced and seasoned team of veteran assistants to support him. Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding are set to join him on the bench, bringing a wealth of expertise and strategic acumen. Buss expressed her admiration for this support system: "I'm really impressed with his staff. 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."
Strategic Shifts on the Horizon
Under Darvin Ham, the Lakers struggled in several key areas last season. They ranked fourth in post-up possessions per game (7.3) but were 28th in 3-point attempts per game (31.4) and 29th in offensive rebounding rate (24.4). Additionally, the team finished 15th in offensive rating (115.4). To address these shortcomings, Redick plans to make notable strategic adjustments.
"I'm going to use math," Redick quipped, hinting at a data-driven approach to improving the team's performance. One of his immediate priorities is to increase the Lakers' 3-point attempts, acknowledging the modern game's shift towards long-range shooting. Additionally, he intends to enhance the team's offensive rebounding and introduce more organized offensive sets. By focusing on these areas, Redick aims to elevate the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the Lakers' offense.
Fostering a Positive Team Culture
Redick's coaching ethos extends beyond mere tactics and strategies. He places significant emphasis on player development and cultivating a positive team culture. "The pursuit of greatness can't be miserable. Every day that somebody walks in this building, they have to enjoy it," Redick emphasized. He believes that maximizing each player's potential is key to the collective success of the team. "I think part of being a coach, right, is, like, 'Can I maximize each player?' That helps maximize the group," he added.
Buss echoed these sentiments, praising the initial signs of Redick's influence. "Right now, it's not mandatory for the players to come in and practice, but players are coming in and working out," she noted. This early engagement suggests that Redick's approach is resonating with the team, setting a promising foundation for the future.
As the Lakers embark on this new chapter with Redick at the helm, the basketball world will be watching closely. The team's ability to adapt to his visionary methods and the effectiveness of the experienced coaching staff will be critical to their success. While the journey ahead may be challenging, the Lakers' commitment to innovation and development signals a bold step forward for the storied franchise.