The Los Angeles Lakers have embarked on a bold new journey by overhauling their coaching staff this summer. At the helm of this transformation is JJ Redick, a former player transitioning into the head coaching role despite having no prior coaching experience.
A New Vision
The Lakers' president, Jeanie Buss, articulated 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," she explained. Buss is cautious but optimistic, 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."
Experienced Support
Joining Redick on the Lakers’ bench are veteran assistants Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding. Buss is particularly enthusiastic about this mix of experience and fresh perspective. “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," said Buss.
This experienced staff will be crucial as Redick adjusts to his new role. Having a 12-year career as a player, Redick knows the league inside out. “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," Buss reflected.
Reimagining the Lakers’ Offense
Under former head coach Darvin Ham, the Lakers had an offensive rating of 115.4, ranking them 15th in the NBA. However, issues persisted, particularly in their post-up possessions per game (4th), three-point attempts per game (28th), and offensive rebounding rate (29th). Redick has already laid out plans to rectify these shortcomings, emphasizing a more powerful offensive strategy.
Redick plans to ramp up the team’s three-point attempts and improve their offensive rebounding. He also aims to orchestrate more organized offensive sets, striving to enhance the overall flow and efficiency of the team’s gameplay. A numbers enthusiast, Redick succinctly stated, “I’m going to use math,” hinting at an analytics-driven approach to revamp the Lakers' strategy.
Building Culture and Development
Despite his inexperience in coaching, Redick’s vision extends beyond just tactical shifts. Player development will be a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy. There’s a measured focus on nurturing young talent, potentially transforming the Lakers into a team built for sustained success.
Redick’s broader mission also entails 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,” he asserted. Redick recognizes that the cultural environment greatly impacts performance: “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.”
Uncharted Territory
Redick's new role marks a significant shift for both him and the Lakers. The team is placing a hefty wager on his unique blend of playing experience, media insight, and forward-thinking vision to steer them out of mediocrity. The collaborative dynamic between Redick and his seasoned assistants will likely play a critical role in how swiftly and effectively this transition unfolds.
As training camps commence and players start to converge, one thing becomes clear: the Lakers are venturing into uncharted waters. Whether this experiment will yield a championship-caliber team remains to be seen. However, the commitment from the top brass, the enthusiasm of the coaching staff, and the unity among the players signal a fresh, energized chapter for the iconic franchise. With this revamped coaching team, Lakers fans have every reason to be intrigued by what lies ahead.