The Los Angeles Lakers are turning a fresh page under head coach J.J. Redick, who has introduced Lakers’ New Rules—a set of uncompromising principles he calls “non-negotiables” to guide the team through the high-stakes 2024-25 NBA season. Sources reveal that, from day one, Redick has championed a single-minded vision focused on relentless discipline, from perfecting screen angles to optimizing every second on the clock. This is no season for playing it safe; Redick is dead set on reshaping the Lakers’ identity, come hell or high water.
Inside JJ Redick’s Strict ‘Non-Negotiables’: Lakers’ New Rules for 2024-25
At a dinner in Beverly Hills, the team was shown a video presentation underscoring what Redick sees as “elite expectations.” T-shirts with the word “DETAILS” printed boldly across the chest were handed out—a reminder that attention to the minutiae is no longer just a suggestion but a requirement. According to sources close to the team, Redick’s core values include working towards a shared goal, executing perfectly regardless of who’s on the floor, and dominating the finer points of the game. Redick’s playbook might seem rigid, but to him, it’s the only path forward.
Uncompromising Standards and Bold Shifts in the Lineup
Early in the season, Redick demonstrated he wasn’t afraid to shake things up. One bold move? Benching D’Angelo Russell in favor of Cam Reddish—a clear message that defense is now a priority, and everyone on the roster is expected to deliver. LeBron James, usually the go-to ball-handler, has also seen a shift. This season, LeBron’s usage rate has dipped to an all-time low, while his assist average has surged to nearly nine per game, his highest since 2019-20. By design, Anthony Davis is getting more opportunities with the ball, emphasizing Redick’s demand for more dynamic play. Davis, who recently sustained an eye injury, assures he’s ready to bounce back for the upcoming game against the Grizzlies.
With a modest 6-4 start, the Lakers mirror their beginning last season. Yet this time, Redick’s insistence on “non-negotiables” aims to drive the team beyond such lukewarm beginnings. The Lakers’ early run has been a mixed bag—a perfect 3-0 home record to open the season, marred by a disappointing 1-4 stretch on the road. But the team regrouped at Crypto.com Arena, where they won their last two games, once again displaying the resilience Redick demands.
The Road Ahead: Testing the Lakers’ Resolve
Now, Redick’s Lakers face a pivotal test as they prepare for back-to-back games on the road against the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans. A squad driven by Redick’s high standards might just rise to these challenges. However, one question looms: can the Lakers maintain this intense level of discipline on a long-term basis? Only time will tell if Redick’s hard-line “details-first” approach can withstand the pressures of an unforgiving season.
As they say, the devil is in the details, and for the Lakers, every small mistake may be one too many. This season is shaping up to be a battle of wills—and Redick has made it clear: under his watch, there’s no room for half-measures.
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