As the Los Angeles Lakers embark on their current season, a significant transformation is taking place under the stewardship of JJ Redick, the team’s newly appointed head coach. The iconic franchise, striving to reestablish its dominance, is experimenting with a strategic overhaul in their offensive play, focusing on enhancing their perimeter game while maintaining a robust presence in the paint.
Offensive Evolution
Redick’s insightful strategy centers around increasing the team’s three-point shooting capabilities, an area he believes holds immense potential for the Lakers. The current average stands at 28.5 three-point attempts per game, a figure that Redick aims to elevate by five or six more attempts per game. He expresses optimism about this goal, stating, "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."
This ambitious push for more perimeter shooting stems from Redick's vision of modernizing the Lakers' offensive tactics, which last season faced criticism for a lack of movement and dynamism. The team is also working diligently to ensure that this increase in outside shooting does not compromise their effectiveness inside the paint, where they notably outscored their opponents by 32 points in a matchup against Minnesota.
Emphasizing Ball Movement
Another cornerstone of Redick's approach is a significant focus on ball movement and creating opportunities through off-the-ball actions. In their season opener, the Lakers recorded 334 passes, a marked improvement from last season's average of 267.5 passes per game. This uptick in ball circulation has translated into tangible results, as seen in their game against Phoenix, where the Lakers assisted on 33 of their 40 field goals.
Moreover, the Lakers have successfully integrated cuts into their offensive arsenal, scoring 37 points off cuts across two games, averaging 18.5 points per game. This approach not only addresses the previous criticisms about their offensive stagnation but also demonstrates a comprehensive effort to create high-percentage scoring opportunities.
Balanced Attack
While the Lakers are pivoting towards a more perimeter-oriented offense, they haven't neglected the importance of a strong inside game. The dual focus on shooting and points in the paint ensures a balanced offensive strategy that can adapt to different opponents. Their physicality and aggression are further evidenced by earning 64 trips to the foul line in just two regular-season games, showcasing their ability to draw fouls and exploit defensive mismatches effectively.
Despite suffering a preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors on October 15, the collective determination within the Lakers is palpable as they progress through the season. The journey is still in its nascent stages with only two regular-season games played, making it premature to draw any conclusive outcomes. However, Redick’s strategic evolutions reflect a clear intent to mold a dynamic and adaptable Lakers team.
Looking Ahead
As the season unfolds, it will be intriguing to observe how the team’s new philosophies pan out across a grueling schedule. The Lakers’ ability to harmonize increased perimeter shooting with their established strengths inside will be pivotal to their success. JJ Redick’s leadership, combining contemporary analytics with traditional basketball acumen, offers a promising future.
The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be on the cusp of reimagining their game, guided by a forward-thinking head coach and a cadre of players ready to adapt and excel. The coming games will offer further insights into how effectively this storied franchise will balance innovation with its illustrious basketball heritage.