A New Era for the Lakers: JJ Redick Takes the Helm
This summer, the Los Angeles Lakers underwent a significant transformation, completely revamping their coaching staff and charting a new course for the future. At the center of this dramatic shift is the appointment of JJ Redick, a former celebrated player and sports media talent, as the new head coach. The decision to replace Darvin Ham with Redick represents a bold move for the franchise, given Redick’s lack of prior coaching experience.
For the Lakers' president Jeanie Buss, the decision stems from a desire to embrace a fresh perspective and focus on player development. "We wanted to kind of think a different way," Buss remarked. "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."
The Lakers’ decision to bring in Redick is supported by a team of veteran assistants, including Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding. Their combined experience will be crucial as Redick transitions from the court and commentator’s booth to the coaching bench. "I'm really impressed with his staff," Buss said. "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."
Redick inherits a team that struggled in several key areas under Ham's guidance. Despite finishing fourth in post-up possessions per game (7.3), the Lakers ranked 28th in 3-point attempts per game (31.4) and 29th in offensive rebounding rate (24.4). Their offensive rating placed them in the middle of the pack, coming in at 15th (115.4), indicating there is much room for improvement
Redick’s plan for the Lakers involves a radical shift in offensive strategy. "I'm going to use math," Redick stated, hinting at a methodical approach to analytics that will likely emphasize increasing the team's 3-point attempts and improving offensive rebounding. Additionally, he plans to run more organized offensive sets, an aspect he believes will enhance the Lakers' overall performance.
But beyond the X's and O's, Redick's vision includes a broader focus on fostering a positive team culture. "The pursuit of greatness can't be miserable," Redick noted. "Every day that somebody walks in this building, they have to enjoy it. 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."
Creating a positive atmosphere where players can develop and thrive has become a cornerstone of Redick's coaching ethos. With players already voluntarily coming in for workouts, the early signs are promising. "Right now, it's not mandatory for the players to come in and practice, but players are coming in and working out," Buss emphasized, highlighting the early buy-in from the team.
As Redick embarks on this new chapter, the expectations are high yet tempered with patience. Buss is realistic about the journey ahead. "Again, I just want the 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."
The Lakers' decision to hand the reins to Redick signifies more than just a change in leadership; it embodies a new direction for one of the NBA's storied franchises. With a focus on innovation, player development, and creating a positive team culture, Redick's impact on the Lakers will be closely watched. Time will tell if this bold gamble pays off, but for now, the Lakers are set on a path less traveled, aiming to find renewed success through fresh eyes and a rejuvenated approach.