JJ Redick's coaching style, motivational speeches, and defensive strategies are helping transform the Lakers into one of the NBA's top teams, all while embracing the Hollywood vibe surrounding the franchise.
The Lakers' head coaching job has always been one of the most demanding – and often toxic – positions in the NBA.
The expectations are sky-high, yet they don't always align with the team's actual roster potential.
As a result, many coaches have lost their jobs, not just in recent years but throughout the franchise's history.
Pairing LeBron James with the Lakers has only made the job even tougher. As one of the greatest players of all time, LeBron's influence – both on and off the court – has shaped decisions regarding players and coaches more than perhaps any other player in NBA history.
His power within the game is undeniable.
So when LeBron started a podcast with JJ Redick – one of the candidates for the Lakers' head coaching job – it became clear who the next coach would be.
It was only a matter of time before Redick took the reins.
Redick
Redick
Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix
Given the way this decision came about, with the clear influence of the team's best player, skepticism was inevitable.
But even those who doubted both Redick and the Lakers should be reconsidering by now. What Redick has shown, both on and off the court, has been nothing short of impressive.
The off the court part is especially important because it's where Redick has separated himself from recent Lakers coaches.
What stands out with Redick is his open-minded approach to the intense media spotlight that comes with coaching the Lakers.
Not only is he constantly at the center of attention with his statements, but he also seems deeply involved in public relations.
His postgame motivational speeches often go viral, capturing the attention of fans worldwide.
While some might see his comments as a bit theatrical, they appear to serve their purpose – motivating his players and reinforcing his leadership.
A perfect example came after the Lakers' big win against the Nuggets when Redick repeatedly emphasized in his locker room speech that he hadn't slept for two nights while preparing for Nikola Jokic.
Even if true, some might question why he felt the need to highlight this publicly. But in the grander scheme of things, it fits perfectly within the Hollywood-like atmosphere surrounding the Lakers.
Now, let's take a closer look at Redick's tactical adjustments, which have recently turned the Lakers into the best defensive team in the league – all without one of the NBA's top rim protectors, Anthony Davis.
One of the biggest moves was replacing D'Angelo Russell with Dorian Finney-Smith, a significant defensive upgrade.
Looking at the Lakers' roster, it's clear they have a wealth of tall, versatile wings capable of switching and guarding multiple positions.
Redick has leaned into this strength, implementing a defensive philosophy that has made the Lakers a nightmare for opposing teams.
Redick
Redick
Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix
His system is built around aggressive over-helping, with a strong emphasis on protecting the paint.
The strategy involves targeting weak shooters in opposing lineups, using their defenders as help roamers, while also focusing heavily on limiting the impact of elite scorers.
This approach has paid off, with defensive specialists like Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaxson Hayes playing key roles in executing Redick's vision.
The Lakers' ability to rotate and switch resembles what the Oklahoma City Thunder have done defensively this season.
As a result, they've posted a 108.9 defensive rating over the last 20 games – an extremely impressive mark.
This system also benefits Luka, allowing the Lakers to hide him defensively. He's often assigned to an off-ball player – someone who isn't heavily involved in pick-and-rolls or one-on-one situations – while the Lakers' defensive length covers for him.
Of course, a more structured opposing offense could still find ways to target him, but with time before the playoffs, the Lakers have an opportunity to fine-tune their defense even further.
The Lakers frequently utilize next-man help when defending isolations, ensuring that opposing scorers face constant pressure.
Against dominant one-on-one players like Anthony Edwards, they've even shifted into a 1-2-2 zone to disrupt his rhythm, forcing him to give up the ball rather than attack in isolation.
In the end, Redick's approach – both on and off the court – seems like a perfect fit for a franchise like the Lakers. He carries a certain charisma and excels at building strong relationships with his players.
By consistently praising them and fostering a sense of unity, he's creating a culture that keeps the team engaged and connected by constantly interacting with them.
His constant interaction with the players is evident, especially with how frequently they share their moments on social media.
Vukašin Nedeljković
Vukašin played basketball competitively in his youth, and now contributes to Synergy Sports Technology and Sportradar regarding basketball analysis. He also has experience working as a journalist in Serbia and is passionate about writing basketball articles mainly focused on basketball X's and O's.
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