Los Angeles Lakers JJ Redick LeBron James
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Head coach JJ Redick admits the truth about why the Los Angeles Lakers have been able to thrive without LeBron James.
The Los Angeles Lakers have quietly found a rhythm during their latest stretch without LeBron James. Head coach JJ Redick recently acknowledged the complicated reality behind it.
Los Angeles secured its third straight victory without James after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves. The run also included a win over the New York Knicks. The results have been eye-opening.
Redick addressed the dynamic before the Timberwolves matchup. He offered a candid explanation for why the offense has looked smoother at times during James’ absence.
Redick Explains Lakers’ Offensive Dynamic
“I think when all three of those guys are on the court specifically, again, it goes back to the human element,” Redick said while discussing the Lakers’ offensive structure.
“It’s what they’re comfortable doing as basketball players. For all three of those guys, including the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, that means having the ball in their hands.”
“[Luka Doncic] has five First Team All-NBAs and should make another this year. He is used to having the ball in his hands. So the human struggle to want what you want, and AR is ascending to an All-Star level, but the human struggle to want what you want while also having the emotional maturity and recognition that you have someone next to you, it hasn’t been as clean.”
Redick added that the offensive hierarchy becomes simpler for the Lakers when Luka Doncic and Reaves run the show.
“But there’s a clear pecking order when Luka and AR are on the floor together with guys that are low-usage players,” Redick continued. “That’s just the nature of it. And that’s the nature of nearly every Big 3 that’s ever existed. We’re gonna get there.”
All a long winded way of saying that with three guys all talented and requiring the ball in their hands to be successful, it’s hard for all three coexist while doing what they each do best.
Lakers Finding Success Without James
Statistically, the recent stretch supports Redick’s explanation. The Lakers have scored 120+ points in two of their their last three games without James. During that stretch they produced a 121.8 offensive rating. Their defense also held up well, posting a 108.1 defensive rating.
Overall this season, Los Angeles is 14-7 without James. They are also 10-2 when both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves play without him. Those numbers suggest the offense becomes simpler when the two primary ball-handlers control the attack.
Despite the recent success, Redick made it clear the organization still views James as essential. The 23-year veteran has missed time with left foot arthritis and a hip issue. The team is managing the wear and tear that comes with a heavy schedule. Before the Timberwolves game, Redick explained the situation.
“He did his on-court shooting before our film and walkthrough and probably just needs a couple more days,” Redick said.
“So he’s still day-to-day. Sometimes day-to-day means two days and sometimes it can mean five or six days.”
Redick also noted that James’ recovery can vary from game to game.
“We obviously want him in the lineup,” Redick added. “When we were approaching this stretch, you saw six games in eight nights and two back-to-backs. You never know how his body is going to respond to a game or how his foot will feel.”
Redick Must Solve the Big Three Equation
While the recent run has sparked debate, the long-term goal remains clear. If the Lakers want to make a deep playoff run in the Western Conference, they must solve the puzzle of their star trio.
Luka Doncic and Reaves have proven they can drive the offense. However, a championship push will depend on finding the right balance between them and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. As Redick put it simply: “We’re gonna get there.”