JJ Redick’s tenure as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers has officially hit the 10-game mark, and while the team sits at a respectable 6-4, it’s clear that the early signs of success under the rookie coach are promising. The Lakers have shown a level of discipline, responsiveness, and accountability that speaks to Redick’s impact on this team. Still, as with any early coaching stint, there remains plenty of room for growth, and LeBron James remains measured in his assessment start of JJ Redick.
A Mixed Bag: JJ Redick’s Early Days as Lakers Coach
When the Lakers hired JJ Redick as their new head coach in the off-season, many eyebrows were raised. The former sharpshooter had zero experience as a professional coach, with his most notable prior stint being the head coach of his 9-year-old son’s team. This lack of experience led many NBA observers, including former players like Shaquille O’Neal and Lou Williams, to express doubts about Redick’s ability to command the respect of the Lakers’ star-studded roster.
“I think personally, they’re gonna have a rough start,” said O’Neal on his podcast, noting the challenge of having a young coach lead veterans in a high-pressure environment. Williams echoed these concerns, stating that while Redick might have a good rapport with LeBron James off the court, managing a full NBA locker room is another story altogether.
Despite these reservations, 10 games into the season, it’s becoming evident that JJ Redick’s early coaching success with the Lakers has been built on one key factor: trust. According to Redick, the Lakers players have been incredibly responsive to his coaching, adapting quickly to his system and executing the game plans effectively.
“Whether it’s a day in between games, or a film session, a practice where we need to clean things up, or even halftime adjustments, the guys have been really, really responsive,” Redick said after the Lakers’ 10th game of the season. “I think there’s a trust building between each other as players, and also with the coaching staff.”
The Lakers’ buy-in has been noticeable. Under Redick, they have been more organized, especially in key moments when execution is paramount. There’s a clear emphasis on the fundamentals, and the adjustments from game to game have shown that Redick is putting his stamp on the team.
LeBron James Offers Diplomatic Take on Early Coaching Sample
For all the early praise directed at JJ Redick, it’s LeBron James who remains the most important voice in the Lakers’ locker room. The four-time MVP, known for his thoughtful and diplomatic approach to the game, has maintained a balanced perspective on Redick’s early coaching career. Rather than make sweeping judgments after just 10 games, LeBron was careful to temper expectations.
“I’m not giving sample sizes,” LeBron James said when asked about JJ Redick impact. “We play well tonight and we play again on Wednesday against the team that just beat us not too long ago, so we need to be ready for what they bring to the table Wednesday.”
LeBron’s careful response isn’t surprising, given his wealth of experience. After 22 seasons in the NBA, James knows that any 10-game stretch is too small a sample size to gauge the true success or failure of a coaching staff. Still, despite his diplomatic stance, LeBron has been clearly supportive of Redick, offering praise for the team’s responsiveness and organizational improvements.
On the court, LeBron himself has shown flashes of his usual brilliance, averaging 23.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.9 assists. While his shooting has been efficient, especially from beyond the arc, LeBron has not yet reached the level of dominance Lakers fans are accustomed to seeing from him. However, his leadership and ability to facilitate—currently ranked sixth in the NBA for assists—remain critical to the Lakers’ success.
Anthony Davis Emerges as Redick’s Focal Point
One of the most significant changes under JJ Redick’s leadership has been the increased focus on Anthony Davis as the focal point of the offense. In previous seasons, there were frustrations about how little Davis was used as the primary scorer. Under Redick, however, Davis has flourished. He is currently averaging 31.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, shooting a remarkable 57.7% from the field. His usage rate has also soared to 31.2%, the highest on the team.
This shift in offensive philosophy has allowed LeBron to take a step back. Reducing some of the wear and tear on his body while Davis thrives. The big man’s dominance has provided a foundation for the Lakers, and Redick’s decision. To lean on him has been one of the key factors in the team’s early success.
D’Angelo Russell: An Example of Redick’s Tough Love
One of the more publicized decisions of Redick’s tenure has been his handling of D’Angelo Russell. After a poor performance in a 131-114 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Redick limited Russell to just 22 minutes of playtime. Calling him out in the process. The benching was a bold move by Redick, and it could have caused friction. But instead, Russell accepted the decision with maturity.
“I’ve bought in,” Russell said after the game. “I’m just here to help the team in whatever role that is. If it means coming off the bench, then so be it.”
This willingness to accept criticism and adapt to a new role is a testament. To the culture Redick is cultivating in the Lakers’ locker room. The team is starting to buy into his vision and adapt to the changes he’s implementing. It’s clear that this type of accountability is becoming a cornerstone of Redick’s coaching philosophy.
The Road Ahead: A Work in Progress
Despite the early signs of success, the Lakers remain a work in progress. While their defense and execution have shown improvement, their inconsistency remains an issue. The bench has been particularly unreliable, with players like Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell struggling to find consistency.
For the Lakers to truly contend. They will need their role players to step up and offer more reliable production. Especially as the season wears on. LeBron’s workload has been managed effectively, but he’ll need more from the supporting cast to keep the team competitive.
Early coaching success JJ Redick with the Lakers is a positive sign. But as LeBron James wisely noted, there’s still plenty of work to be done. The next stretch of games will provide a better understanding. About how well Redick’s system can be executed over a longer period.
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