Redick is set for a significant challenge in solving the team's defensive issues while addressing the Lakers' performance with James on the court.
In the wake of their glaring defensive issues and recent struggles, JJ Redick finally set the record straight about what's going wrong with the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron James
LeBron James
LeBron James
MIN: 33.28
PTS: 20.23 (53.45%)
REB: 5.08
As: 6.85
ST: 0.92
BL: 0.62
TO: 2.46
GM: 13
"I really believe in getting back to basics and understanding the needs of the team and each guy, creating more clarity. I know having played that what can seem very simple up there isn’t simple once you’re in real time and live action. It’s not going to happen in a day, but we have to get back to building our defensive fundamentals," Redick told reporters Saturday.
“Since we've gotten Bron back, we haven't been as organized offensively. Too many random possessions. That's on me. It's those 3 things: defensive clarity, role clarity and offensive organization.”
Upon the brutal Christmas Day blowout from the Houston Rockets, the Lakers' decline continues. They have now lost three consecutive games and six of their last 10 matches.
Defense is simply the main issue for the Lakers. They are currently 26th (118.1) in the league's defensive rating chart while allowing opponents to shoot 48.6 percent from the field.
As such, no team has allowed a higher three-point shooting percentage for opposing teams over the Lakers (38.4 percent).
Redick and the rest of the team's leadership are set to face major questions if they can hold James accountable or cover his lapses, who allowed opponents to score 121.9 points per 100 possessions in 433 minutes -- the worst across the group this season.
Not to mention, Luka Doncic's defensive commitment needs to be additionally emphasized besides James's effort.
For now, it all comes down to Redick making needed adjustments on who has to share the court with the 41-year-old, wherein they can follow the intriguing suggestion of a former NBA star.
Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.