Lakers' Coaching Shift: Aiming for the Perimeter
In a bold and intriguing turn of events, JJ Redick's appointment as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers has ushered in a new era for the iconic franchise. Known for his sharpshooting prowess during his playing days, Redick is now looking to infuse a similar shooting mentality into his team. As the 2023 NBA season gets underway, the Lakers' approach, characterized by an increased focus on perimeter shooting, is already showing flashes of change, although challenges remain.
The Lakers, under Redick's guidance, have intensified their perimeter attack, aiming to increase their three-point attempts significantly. Currently averaging 28.5 attempts per game, Redick is not satisfied. "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," said Redick, encapsulating his vision for a more dynamic and high-output offense.
Redick's strategy focuses on striking a balance between an effective outside shooting game and maintaining a formidable presence inside the paint. This dual focus is evident in the stats: in a recent matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers dominated their opponents by 32 points in the paint. Retaining such an aggressive inside game is imperative, even as they look beyond the arc for scoring opportunities.
The newly enhanced offense features significantly improved ball movement. Last season, the Lakers faced criticism for their stagnant offensive play, a sentiment that seems to be addressed promptly under Redick's watch. This season, they are averaging 334 passes per game, a marked improvement from last season's average of 267.5. In their season opener, the Lakers executed these tactics brilliantly, leading to a streamlined offense that is clearly more cohesive and efficient.
Another area witnessing improvement is the Lakers' ability to convert on cuts to the basket, resulting in an average of 18.5 points per game. Players cutting effectively without the ball reflects Redick's philosophy that stresses constant motion and offensive fluidity, combating the previously static approaches that plagued last season.
The overhaul isn't just about perimeter shooting and cutting; the Lakers' playmaking capabilities are also getting a vast upgrade. In a showcase against the Phoenix Suns, the Lakers assisted on 33 of their 40 field goals. Such an impressive display not only highlights improved teamwork but also reflects Redick’s emphasis on unselfish basketball, where creating the best shot is always prioritized over individual stats.
Despite these improvements, the Lakers have faced early hurdles, notably highlighted by their preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors on October 15. The outcome served as a reminder of the competitive nature of the league and the work still required to polish this newly adopted style into a consistent winning formula.
Moreover, the Lakers have earned 64 trips to the foul line in just two regular-season games, a testament to their aggressive approach under the basket. This aggressive style will be crucial as they adapt to a more perimeter-oriented offense where drawing fouls and converting free throws can turn close games in their favor.
As the Lakers continue to refine their strategies under Redick's leadership, they will seek to establish themselves as a powerhouse that blends old-school physicality with modern shooting prowess. The vision appears promising and, if realized, might well re-establish the Lakers at the apex of the NBA hierarchy.