The Lakers' Bold Move: JJ Redick Takes the Helm
In a surprising turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers have significantly overhauled their coaching staff this summer. As part of the revamp, the Lakers decided to replace Darvin Ham with JJ Redick as the head coach. This unexpected move has stirred conversations across the league, given that Redick has no prior coaching experience. However, the Lakers' leadership is confident in Redick's potential to bring a fresh perspective to the team's strategy and culture.
Redick's Transition: From Player to Coach
JJ Redick is making the leap into coaching after a celebrated playing career and a recent stint in sports media. The decision to transition him from the commentary booth to the coaching bench marks a significant shift in the Lakers' approach. Redick has expressed his eagerness to implement a more analytical approach to the game. "I'm going to use math," Redick said, signaling a data-driven methodology to his coaching philosophy.
Lakers' president Jeanie Buss emphasized the team's desire for a different mindset. "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."
Experienced Support Staff
Redick won’t be navigating this new territory alone. The Lakers have assembled a seasoned coaching staff to support him, bringing in veteran assistants Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding. Jeanie Buss highlighted the importance of this experienced team. "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."
Pros and Cons of the Ham Era
Under Ham, the Lakers had a mixed bag of metrics. They were fourth in post-up possessions per game last season (7.3), which indicates a strong inside game. However, their offensive rebounding rate was disappointing at 29th in the league (24.4), and they were 28th in three-point attempts per game (31.4). Despite showing promise in certain areas, the team finished only 15th in offensive rating (115.4).
Redick's Vision for the Future
Redick inherits a Lakers team that is looking to rekindle its championship aspirations. His plans include increasing the team's three-point attempts and improving offensive rebounding. Additionally, Redick wants to run more organized offensive sets and emphasize player development. "The pursuit of greatness can't be miserable. Every day that somebody walks in this building, they have to enjoy it. 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," Redick articulated.
This sentiment underscores Redick’s commitment to creating a positive and nurturing environment. With veteran voices in his ear and a clear vision in mind, JJ Redick is set to lead the Lakers into a new era. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but the Lakers' bold move could very well redefine their future. As Jeanie Buss aptly put it, "we have to give him time to establish what he wants to establish."
With the combined experience of newly appointed assistants and the innovative approach Redick brings, the Lakers are poised for an intriguing season. The league will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this unconventional choice unfolds, highlighting a pivotal moment in the Lakers' storied history.