JJ Redick explained the Los Angeles Lakers' decision to adjust Luka Doncic's rotation by using shorter stretches instead of full quarters. With Austin Reaves out, Redick wants either Luka or LeBron James on the floor at all times while still running actions with both stars together.
JJ Redick was the main storyline in the Los Angeles Lakers win 125-101 over the Sacramento Kings, as the head coach explained a clear change in how he plans to use Luka Doncic moving forward.
For the first time, the Lakers pulled Doncic with about two and a half minutes left in the opening quarter, instead of letting him play the entire first. After the game, Redick made it clear this was not a one-game decision.
The Lakers' head coach said the team will continue playing Luka in shorter stretches and wants to see how it looks over a longer period. Redick believes this rotation can help both sides of the ball without cutting into Luka's total minutes.
“We are going to do this for the foreseeable future and just see how it goes. It was good tonight. It is a longer stretch for LeBron. It is a shorter stretch for Luka, but it is not going to diminish either of their overall playing time,” he said per Lake Show Life.
Credit AP - Scanpix
With Austin Reaves sidelined, Redick stressed the importance of having one of his stars running the offense at all times. Still, he pushed back on the idea that the Lakers are trying to separate Luka and LeBron.
“With AR out, it gives both guys more time to be the quarterback without the other one. Having said that, we ran a lot of stuff to be in two-man action to be part of the play together tonight. It is not like we are trying to keep them apart.”
Redick explained that the new plan calls for Doncic to play in nine-minute bursts. Luka will start the first and third quarters, sit with three minutes left, then return to open the second and fourth quarters and close both halves.
Doncic scored 34 points, dished 7 assists, grabbed 5 rebounds, and gathered 3 steals in nearly 33 minutes of play.
Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.
If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.