Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick chats with Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick chats with Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
JJ Redick took responsibility for the Los Angeles Lakers constantly running into one issue on the offensive side of the game. The Lakers had a hot start to the season, but inconsistent play over the past two months caused them to fall lower in the standings. Lakers fans have hoped for the healthy “big three” of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves being enough to contend. Unfortunately, a brutal loss to the Boston Celtics exposed all flaws.
Redick spoke about one in-game issue he is seeing more often and took blame from the coaching side:
“When the teams play the deep drop, we have our counters, and we just have to execute. When the ball is changing hands quickly, it can get to drag after drag. I took ownership of that. We have our counters for deep drop. We looked it up today. Our lowest potential assist games are all against the deep drop, so I got to do a better job.”
Deep drop defense stops the Lakers from effectively running their usually successful offense. Most instances of the Lakers beating good teams see their offense carrying them, but one simple defensive change from opposing teams hurts them. Redick took the blame and vowed to improve it.
Redick Under Fire As Lakers Coach
No reports have come out about Redick’s job security being under scrutiny, but the Lakers represent one of the multiple legacy franchises to always have extra pressure. The New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, and Lakers are considered the three most stressful coaching jobs since fans demand change if they lose.
Another first-round exit from the playoffs will add more pressure to Redick’s job status entering next year. All reports indicate the Lakers hope to revamp their roster in the offseason for a better dynamic of a team built around Doncic’s offensive play.
Redick should see the seat get hotter next season once he enters his third season and the roster is exactly what the front office desires. Few coaches last in Los Angeles without contending for a title, and the expectations will rise next year. Redick can add more job security with a strong effort winning a series or two this year.
Can Redick Fix The Lakers’ Woes?
Defense is a tough job for Redick to improve on its own this season since the team lacks high-level defenders. Doncic and Reaves are considered below-average defensive players, and the aging LeBron is no longer young enough to keep up with a team’s best scorer.
Redick can’t fix the defense, but the offense should never struggle like it did in that game against the Celtics. The comment from Redick was intentional since it confirms that he believes this is an issue they can fix during this season.
More easy assists and finding the open player against this defense could make life a lot easier for the Lakers. A team with little margin for error must take advantage of everything given to them. Redick must fix the issue, or the Lakers will have another quick elimination come playoff time.