Increasing the Three-Point Game: JJ Redick’s Plans for the Lakers
In an unexpected twist of events, JJ Redick has taken the helm as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, injecting a fresh perspective into one of the NBA’s most storied franchises. While the appointment may surprise some, Redick’s immediate impact is hard to ignore. As the Lakers navigate the early stages of the regular season, they find themselves honing in on a specific area of improvement: increasing their three-point shooting attempts.
Redick, known for his sharp shooting during his own NBA career, has emphasized the need to elevate the Lakers’ perimeter game. “If you look at it, for us and our group to take 40 3s in a game, that's promising. It's promising. We can get it up to 50, hopefully, but 40 is good," he stated confidently. This strategic shift is designed to enhance offensive versatility and put pressure on opposing defenses stretched thin across the arc.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The Lakers are currently averaging 28.5 three-point attempts per game, a number that Redick undeniably sees as a floor rather than a ceiling. His ambition to tack on an additional five or six attempts per contest reflects his commitment to evolving the team’s offensive landscape. This approach is part of a broader effort to modernize the Lakers' game plan and leverage one of the most effective scoring methods in today’s NBA.
Meanwhile, Redick’s blueprint is not limited to bombarding from beyond the arc. The Lakers have shown strength in their interior play, outscoring Minnesota by an impressive 32 points in the paint in one matchup. Such a balanced offensive threat creates an inside-out dynamic that many championship contenders strive for.
A New Offensive Flow
Transitioning to Redick’s system, the Lakers have visibly increased their offensive movement, a significant shift from last season’s criticized static play. Early games have displayed a noticeable rise in ball movement, as evidenced by the team recording an impressive 334 passes in their season opener, compared to an average of 267.5 passes per game last year. The enhanced movement has also led to valuable scoring opportunities, as evidenced by the 37 points off cuts the Lakers have already accumulated, averaging 18.5 points per contest.
Furthermore, an emphasis on team play is apparent in their passing statistics. In a recent game against Phoenix, the Lakers assisted on 33 of their 40 field goals, an indication of the team’s evolving chemistry and ability to capitalize on shared scoring responsibilities.
Challenging Start Against Strong Contenders
Despite the encouraging changes, the start of the season has not been without its challenges. The Lakers have already faced formidable opponents, including a preseason clash with the Golden State Warriors, which ended in defeat. Nevertheless, these experiences serve as valuable measuring sticks for the team’s progression under Redick’s leadership.
As the Lakers look forward, their trajectory under JJ Redick is more than a quest for victories; it's an evolution into a well-rounded, strategically robust team. Balancing an improved perimeter game with strong inside play, the Lakers are positioned to be a dynamic outfit capable of challenging the league’s elite.
With two regular-season games down, the Lakers’ journey through the remainder of the schedule promises to be an intriguing one. With Redick orchestrating an ambitious offensive overhaul, the team remains steadfast in its hopes to emerge as a powerhouse in the Western Conference. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how well they can maintain this upward trajectory and what this fusion of traditional and contemporary strategies will yield in their pursuit of greatness.