In 2015, Steve Kerr, much like JJ Redick today, transitioned from the broadcast booth to a high-profile coaching position. Despite his lack of direct coaching experience, Kerr’s success with the Golden State Warriors highlighted the potential for former players to make significant coaching impacts. However, the contrasting fate of Derek Fisher with the New York Knicks illustrates the crucial role of roster quality in a coach’s success. Similarly, Redick’s success with the Lakers will heavily depend on the players provided by GM Rob Pelinka and his team.
Lakers’ Offseason Priorities
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Sam Amick, and Jovan Buha, the Lakers have clear priorities for the offseason:
- Developing Young Talent: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Max Christie are central to the Lakers’ future plans. Their development is critical for the team’s success.
- Maximizing Anthony Davis: Redick aims to involve Davis more in the offence, particularly during crucial moments in games.
- Easing LeBron James’ Burden: The Lakers intend to reduce LeBron’s ball-handling responsibilities to keep him fresh for the playoffs.
Potential Roster Moves
Redick’s hire has already stirred speculation, notably with Atlanta Hawks’ point guard Trae Young hinting at potential interest. Young’s fit aligns well with the Lakers’ needs, offering ball-handling relief for James and enhancing Davis’s offensive impact. However, acquiring Young without trading core young players like Reaves, Hachimura, and Christie would require the Lakers to leverage their draft assets and other player contracts.
Trae Young Trade Scenario:
- Assets Available: Three first-round picks and three pick swaps.
- Salary Matching: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jalen Hood-Schifino.
- Cap Implications: This would hard-cap the Lakers at the second apron, but it’s feasible if Atlanta agrees.
Alternatively, the Lakers might pursue Dejounte Murray, whose $25.4 million cap hit is more manageable. Acquiring Murray could be achieved with fewer assets but would still demand significant draft capital.
Strategic Considerations
The Lakers’ front office must decide between an immediate star acquisition or a more measured approach focusing on role players to complement their stars. While acquiring a top-tier point guard like Young or Murray could alleviate pressure on LeBron and boost Davis’s effectiveness, it may come at the cost of long-term flexibility and depth.
- Malcolm Brogdon: This could be a less costly option, providing steady offence without the need for high usage.
- Collin Sexton: Offers two-way potential and was a reported target at the trade deadline.
Building for the Future
Redick’s developmental approach suggests the Lakers are considering a longer-term strategy. This might involve retaining young talent and draft assets while selectively adding complementary pieces rather than a third star. The 2020 championship run demonstrated that LeBron and Davis, supported by well-chosen role players, can achieve success without a third star.
Conclusion
The Lakers’ offseason strategy under new head coach JJ Redick is still unfolding. The focus on developing young talent, easing LeBron’s workload, and maximizing Davis’s role points towards a balanced approach. Whether through major trades or incremental improvements, the Lakers’ roster decisions in the coming months will be pivotal in determining Redick’s success and the team’s trajectory. As the Lakers navigate these decisions, the goal will be to build a cohesive and competitive roster that can contend in the near term while maintaining long-term flexibility.
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