Redick's Vision Shapes Lakers' Shooting Strategy
In what can be considered a bold new era for the Los Angeles Lakers, JJ Redick has taken the helm as head coach with a clear strategy in mind: transform the Lakers into a high-volume three-point shooting team. Despite only two regular-season games under his belt, Redick's influence is already making waves. "If you look at it, for us and our group to take 40 threes in a game, that's promising. It's promising. We can get it up to 50, hopefully, but 40 is good," Redick emphasized, signaling his commitment to revolutionize the Lakers' offense.
Rising Stars in Three-Point Territory
The emphasis on increasing perimeter attempts is palpable, with the Lakers averaging 28.5 three-point attempts per game. Redick's target is to add five or six more attempts each game, which he believes would bolster the team's offensive prowess. This transformation is grounded in increasing both shooting frequency and efficiency. While the Lakers currently fall short of Redick's ambitious vision, it's a step forward for a team heavily criticized last season for stagnant offensive movement.
Keeping the Inside Game Strong
Redick's strategy doesn't stop at the three-point line. The Lakers' offensive game plan maintains a formidable presence inside the paint, highlighting an adept balance. With an impressive show against Minnesota, where the Lakers outscored their opponents by 32 points in the paint, it is clear the team isn't relegating their inside game in the push for better perimeter scoring. The Lakers are refining an offensive split that could set a new standard for playing styles across the league.
Foul Line Efficiency and Movement
The Lakers' ability to draw fouls has been notable, with 64 trips to the foul line in just two games, underlining their aggressive playstyle and the dual threats they now pose both beyond the arc and in the paint. But perhaps the most telling sign of Redick’s early influence is the movement without the ball. This season, the Lakers have already scored 37 points off cuts, averaging a robust 18.5 points per game from this advantage. Such stats highlight a clear improvement from last season's perceived lack of offensive movement.
An Astounding Start with Team Play
The changes in offensive tactics are striking when you look at the statistics from their very first game. The Lakers recorded 334 passes in their season opener, marking a significant increase from last season’s average of 267.5. This uptick in ball movement has translated to impressive teamwork, as seen in the matchup against Phoenix, where the Lakers assisted on 33 of their 40 field goals. It’s hard to underestimate the value of such synergy in their quest for success.
A Promising Start Despite Setbacks
It hasn't been entirely smooth sailing, though. The Lakers faced an early setback in their preseason game against the Golden State Warriors on October 15, coming up short. These early challenges, however, are feeding into Redick's adjustments and fine-tuning as he leverages every game to refine their strategies. Given the Lakers’ current trajectory, the focus on increasing their perimeter prowess forms a potent combination with a robust inside game, potentially propelling them to greater heights as the season progresses.
With a coach who's unafraid to shoot for the stars, quite literally, the Los Angeles Lakers might just be setting the groundwork for a season that blends traditional efficiency with modern long-range tactics. As the team heeds Redick’s call for more attempts beyond the arc, it will be intriguing to watch how this season unfolds. The expectations are high, no doubt, but if the Lakers can keep striking a balance between a dynamic perimeter game and their powerful inside play, they could reshape their narrative and legacy in this new era.