With a new season underway, the Los Angeles Lakers have taken a bold step in redefining their offensive strategy under the leadership of newly appointed head coach, JJ Redick. Known for his sharp shooting prowess during his playing days, Redick is aiming to transform the Lakers into a formidable force from beyond the arc, a stark contrast to last year's offense which faced significant criticism for its stagnancy and lack of movement.
Revamping the Offense
The Lakers have played two regular-season games so far, and Redick’s vision for the team is already beginning to take shape. The focus is clearly on enhancing their perimeter game, as evident from their average of 28.5 three-point attempts per game. To put this into perspective, Redick ambitiously plans to boost this number significantly. “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," Redick expressed with an eye toward stretching defenses thin with increased outside shooting.
A Balanced Approach
While the Lakers are concentrating on taking more shots from beyond the arc, their game strategy isn’t solely reliant on three-point shooting. They recognize the significance of maintaining a strong presence inside. This balance was on display when they outscored their opponents by 32 points in the paint during a matchup with Minnesota, demonstrating their ability to dominate the interior as well.
Moreover, the Lakers have shown a marked improvement in earning trips to the foul line, with 64 free throw attempts over their initial two games. This statistic underscores their aggression and ability to draw fouls, providing them with additional scoring opportunities. It’s clear that Redick is fostering an environment where dynamic offensive play is encouraged, both on the perimeter and in the paint.
Increased Movement and Passing
Another significant shift in the Lakers’ playing style is their focus on movement and passing, elements where they previously drew criticism. This season, they have averaged 37 points off cuts, translating to 18.5 points per game, a remarkable improvement showing their commitment to increased offensive fluidity.
Supporting this new approach is a rise in the number of passes made. In the season opener, the Lakers executed a staggering 334 passes, a quantum leap from the previous season’s average of 267.5 per game. This change not only facilitates better ball movement but also opens up more opportunities for scoring across the board. A game against Phoenix highlighted this shift, as the Lakers recorded assists on 33 of their 40 field goals, showcasing a team-oriented style that could be a key to their success moving forward.
Outlook for the Future
Despite a setback during the preseason where the Lakers lost to the Golden State Warriors, Redick remains optimistic about the team's potential. The foundation laid by Redick and his coaching staff appears to set a promising course for the Lakers, with a balanced attack that leverages both perimeter shooting and interior strength.
Moving forward, the Lakers' adjustment will likely be tested against tougher opponents, but with their current trajectory, there's significant excitement about what Redick’s system might bring to the storied franchise. By increasing their three-point volume and optimizing team passing and movement, the Lakers are poised to adapt to the modern NBA landscape.
As Redick continues to instill his philosophy, the Lakers’ faithful can look forward to a season of transformation, driven by innovation and the strategic flairs of their new head coach.