It’s less than four games into the 2025 NBA Season and the Los Angeles
Lakers have shown fans why new head coach JJ Redick was the right
hire. Now, you may say: “Patrick, it’s still early and the season hasn’t
really started.” Glad you mentioned it… Allow me to break it down from
a fan’s perspective, while keeping it simple for the casual fan who’s
reading this.
Upon the hire of JJ Redick earlier this summer, Laker fans were given a
lifeline of what could be. It was mad house from the national sports
media and all the pundits saying and trolling “Los Angeles is a
sideshow! They don’t care about winning championships; drafting
Bronny James was a bigger story than hiring Redick.” Oh, it gets better
and we’re underway for what’s been a difference of night and day.
Three games in and the Lakers have been laser focused: starting 3-0
and warming up. You can see the floor spacing is well constructed as
guys are constantly moving while creating plenty of opportunities. High
percentage shots versus stagnant ball movement resulting in lackluster
efforts. Los Angeles has averaged 121.3 points a game, while making
80% from the free throw line. 50% from the field and staying a modest
36% from three. Talk about a huge difference from Darvin Ham’s
tenure.
Redick is a revelation fans have been waiting for since the days of Pat
Riley. Understanding where the game is going, while putting guys in the
right spots to be successful. Power forward Anthony Davis has been
unleashed as a “focal point” and he’s bought into his dominant role of
being the guy. Even with the ageless wonder in LeBron James, he can
still takeover games and not have to exalt himself early on.
The rotations are getting stronger as rookie Dalton Knecht has shown
superstar potential. This Lakers team has clearly shown promise early
on, while keeping pace without listening to outside noise. This was the
best hire in GM Rob Pelinka’s tenure. Much as Laker fans have
chastised him for not making the right moves, this could be the one
that’ll keep him around a little longer.
Redick’s obsession with film study, orchestrating concepts and schemes
is what Los Angeles needed. A new innovative coach who can unlock
each player’s potential. Someone who can command the huddle and
keep guys focused on the trenches. Adjusting quarter by quarter,
possession by possession. It’s basketball galore in the likes of Pat Riley’s
“Showtime” era.
Redick has won fans over with knowing the expectations and winning
championships will come with sacrifice. The team is having fun,
winning, and developing a strong chemistry early before postseason
play arrives next spring. Breaking down drills with players and
explaining how he wants the play to be ran is basic X’s and O’s. Redick
was built to be a head coach and understanding today’s players,
evolution of the basketball and staying ahead of his peers. All of this
and then some will hopefully lead to winning championship banner
number eighteen in June. It’s a great time to be a Lakers fan and see
the great display of wins. Far more enjoyable than what was once
unbearable to comprehend. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the
Lake Show 2.0!
Stai tuned.
