The Importance of Roster Construction
Steve Kerr's post-playing career predominantly took place in the broadcast booth. Despite not having any prior experience as a head or assistant coach, Kerr became a sought-after candidate and was offered two head coaching positions—the Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks. Ultimately, Derek Fisher accepted the Knicks role, only to be ousted in less than two years. This outcome underscores a critical truth in the NBA: as significant as coaching hires may seem, their impact is limited if the team cannot construct a competitive roster.
JJ Redick's success with the Los Angeles Lakers hinges greatly on the players that Rob Pelinka and his front office can assemble. A major focus for the Lakers will be the growth and development of young talents like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Max Christie. Even during the pursuit of other coaching candidates, this developmental priority remained a central theme.
Offensive Strategy Adjustments
Redick plans to involve Anthony Davis more in the offense, particularly in late-game situations. One of his primary aims is to reduce LeBron James' ball-handling duties to keep him fresh for crucial playoff moments. Given these criteria, Trae Young appears to be a fitting addition to the Lakers' roster.
Redick’s Long-term Potential
Redick's hiring suggests that the Lakers are considering a long-term outlook. Los Angeles believes Redick can emulate the success of coaches like Erik Spoelstra and Steve Kerr—culture-setters who can grow with the franchise over a decade or more. With cornerstone players like James and Davis, the Lakers have a promising foundation. However, their 2020 championship run revealed the limitations of not having a third star, a scenario the Lakers are keen to avoid moving forward.
Potential Roster Moves
Acquiring a player like Malcolm Brogdon could be more economical compared to someone like Dejounte Murray. There were also reports that the Lakers targeted Collin Sexton at the trade deadline. Typically, the wing market is tougher to navigate and less forgiving. Ball-handling is generally a more readily available and affordable commodity.
Challenges in Acquiring Talent
The Lakers have invested significant resources in players such as Dennis Schroder, Russell Westbrook, and D'Angelo Russell in recent years. However, wings are much harder to come by and are often developed internally. Most championship teams cultivate their own wing players, and the Lakers appear poised to bet on Redick's developmental skills in this area.
The Uncertain Future of LeBron James
LeBron James' return is not guaranteed. Until his future with the team is secure, the Lakers must remain adaptable, preparing for life after him. As of now, projecting the Lakers' roster composition is challenging. While there are broad indications of how Redick envisions building the team, specific details of the overall plan remain elusive.
As the season progresses, the clarity of Redick's vision and its translation onto the court will become more apparent. Until then, Lakers fans can only speculate and hope for the best outcome. Redick's success will not hinge solely on his strategic acumen but also on the support he receives in assembling a talented and cohesive roster.
Quotes
"Los Angeles is confident he can be their version of Erik Spoelstra or Steve Kerr—a culture-setter who can grow with the franchise for over a decade."