JJ Redick's appointment as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers has ushered in a new era for the storied franchise. With only two regular-season games played, Redick's influence on the team's offensive strategy is palpable. At the heart of this strategy is a significant push to enhance the Lakers' perimeter shooting while maintaining their dominance in the paint.
Revamping the Three-Point Game
Under Redick, the Lakers are moving towards a more dynamic and versatile offensive approach. Historically known for their inside strength, the team is now targeting an increase in three-point attempts. Redick has been vocal about this objective, expressing optimism about the progress. "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," he stated. This ambition reflects the evolving nature of the NBA, where outside shooting has become increasingly crucial.
Currently, the Lakers are averaging 28.5 three-point attempts per game. Redick's aim is to increase this by five or six shots, shifting the offensive balance slightly toward a more perimeter-oriented style. This marks a significant shift from last season, where the lack of offensive movement often drew criticism. By embracing more outside shots, the Lakers hope to create a more unpredictable and effective offensive arsenal.
Maintaining a Strong Inside Game
Despite the emphasis on improving their perimeter shooting, the Lakers have not neglected their prowess in the paint. In a recent matchup against Minnesota, the Lakers showcased their inside strength by outscoring their opponents by 32 points in the paint—a testament to the team’s ability to dominate under the basket.
Additionally, the Lakers have been aggressive in drawing fouls, evidenced by their 64 trips to the foul line across two games. This aggressive playstyle not only keeps opponents on the defensive but also opens up more opportunities for scoring through free throws.
Offensive Movement and Pass Distribution
The focus on three-point shooting has not detracted from improving the team’s overall offensive movement. The Lakers are making strides in increasing their off-the-ball movement, a critical aspect that was lacking last season. This is reflected in their current average of 37 points off cuts, or 18.5 points per game.
The Lakers have also made significant advancements in ball distribution. During their season opener, the team recorded 334 passes, a notable increase from their average of 267.5 passes per game last season. This increased passing is crucial in creating open shots and facilitating a more fluid offensive game.
Early Challenges and Opportunities
The road has not been without its challenges. The Lakers faced a setback with a preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors on October 15. However, these early encounters serve as valuable lessons and opportunities for Redick and his team to refine their strategies.
In a game against Phoenix, the Lakers demonstrated the potential of their new offensive system by assisting on 33 of their 40 field goals. This high assist rate is a promising indicator of the team’s evolving playstyle, focused on creating open looks and capitalizing on them effectively.
With the season in its early stages, all eyes will be on JJ Redick and his ability to blend traditional basketball strategies with modern innovations. As the Lakers continue to refine their playstyle, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if this blend of increased three-point shooting and robust inside play can propel the team to success in the highly competitive NBA landscape.