The Importance of Roster Construction
Steve Kerr's post-playing career initially saw him in the broadcast booth, providing insights and analysis on the game he loved. When he entered the coaching arena, he quickly became a sought-after candidate despite lacking experience as a head or assistant coach. Both the Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks courted him, but while Derek Fisher accepted the Knicks' job and lasted less than two years, Kerr chose the Warriors and transformed them into an NBA powerhouse.
This history underscores a crucial point: as vital as coaching hires are, they matter little if a team cannot get the roster right. The success of any coach, including newly-appointed Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick, will largely hinge on the support he receives from his front office, particularly in terms of player acquisition and development.
Building the Right Roster
Redick's success in Los Angeles will depend significantly on the players that Rob Pelinka and his front office can provide. A major focus will be the development of young talents like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Max Christie. This developmental priority was evident even during the pursuit of other coaching candidates such as Dan Hurley.
Redick plans to involve Anthony Davis more in the offensive scheme, especially in late-game situations. By doing so, he aims to alleviate LeBron James' ball-handling duties to keep LeBron fresh for the playoffs. Such strategic adjustments could greatly benefit the team. Trae Young's potential fit with the Lakers is an intriguing prospect that aligns well with Redick's goals.
Long-term Potential and Strategic Adjustments
The long-term potential of Redick's hiring implies that the Lakers are thinking beyond immediate success. Los Angeles is confident that Redick can emulate the culture-setting influence of coaches like Erik Spoelstra or Steve Kerr, becoming a cornerstone of the franchise for over a decade. With foundational pieces like James and Davis, Redick has a solid starting point.
During their 2020 championship run, the Lakers didn’t have a third star, which limited their ceiling. The acquisition of a player like Malcolm Brogdon, who could probably be acquired for less than a player like Dejounte Murray, might address this. Additionally, Collin Sexton was reportedly a target for the Lakers at the trade deadline, highlighting the front office's strategic maneuvers.
Challenges in Acquiring Talent
Acquiring top-level talent, particularly wings, remains one of the most challenging aspects for any NBA team. Ball-handling guards tend to be relatively more available and affordable in the market, as evidenced by the Lakers' acquisitions of Dennis Schroder, Russell Westbrook, and D'Angelo Russell in recent years. However, quality wings are harder to come by and often need to be developed within the organization.
Most championship teams cultivate their own wings, and the Lakers seem ready to bet on Redick's developmental acumen in this regard. The task will require patience and a keen eye for potential, but Redick's background suggests he is up to the challenge.
The Uncertain Future of LeBron James
Another layer of complexity is added by the uncertain future of LeBron James. As of now, James isn't a lock to return, and until his future is secured, the Lakers must remain flexible about life after him. This uncertainty makes projecting the Lakers’ roster challenging, as the team's composition could shift dramatically based on James' decision.
While the broad strokes of Redick's vision involve alleviating James' burden and focusing on player development, concrete details of the overall plan are yet to be revealed. As the season progresses, it will become clearer how Redick's vision will translate on the court. For now, Lakers fans are left to speculate and hope for the best.
Ultimately, Redick's success will not be solely determined by his strategic acumen. His ability to foster a supportive and talented roster around him will be just as critical. It is this blend of strategy and player development that will define his tenure with the Lakers.
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.”