Since JJ Redick joined the coaching staff of the Los Angeles Lakers, the team has undergone a transformation, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Redick, a former NBA sharpshooter, has injected new life into the Lakers’ system by emphasizing modern offensive principles like floor spacing, ball movement, and player efficiency. This shift has not only revitalized the Lakers’ offensive approach but has also positioned several players to thrive in new roles. So, how has Redick reshaped the Lakers’ system, and who are the biggest beneficiaries?

How JJ Redick’s System Transformed the Lakers

1. Increased Floor Spacing
   • What Changed: One of the most notable changes is the emphasis on floor spacing. Redick understands the value of having shooters in position to spread the floor, opening up the lane for playmakers and dominant interior scorers like Anthony Davis and LeBron James. This has transformed the Lakers from a team that could become bogged down in isolation plays to one that can maximize every player’s shooting ability.
   • Impact: This spacing not only creates more efficient shots but also puts pressure on opposing defenses, forcing them to stretch and make tough decisions on whether to help inside or stay with shooters on the perimeter.
2. Emphasis on Off-Ball Movement
   • What Changed: Redick was known for his constant movement as a player, never standing still and always running off screens to create space. Under his guidance, the Lakers have adopted more off-ball movement, with players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and even LeBron James moving more without the ball. This has made the offense more dynamic and unpredictable.
   • Impact: The constant motion disrupts defenses, allowing the Lakers to get easier baskets through cuts, screens, and ball reversals. It also allows LeBron and AD to find their teammates in better positions, increasing their playmaking opportunities.
3. Quicker Decision-Making and Ball Movement
   • What Changed: The Lakers’ offense now moves the ball faster, with a focus on quick decisions and passing out of double-teams. Redick’s system discourages stagnant, isolation-heavy play, and instead focuses on moving the ball to find the best shot.
   • Impact: This has led to a more efficient offense that capitalizes on mismatches and open looks. The quicker ball movement also reduces the chances for turnovers and keeps the defense scrambling.
4. Increased Three-Point Attempts
   • What Changed: The Lakers have increased their volume of three-point attempts, which is a key aspect of Redick’s philosophy. By relying more on perimeter shooting, the Lakers can stretch defenses and create more scoring opportunities inside for Anthony Davis and others.
   • Impact: With more shooters in position and an increase in attempts, the Lakers have become more dangerous from beyond the arc, making it difficult for opponents to collapse on their interior scorers. Players like Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, and D’Angelo Russell have benefited from this increase in spacing and shooting.

Who Benefits the MOST from Redick’s System?

1. Anthony Davis – The Ultimate Beneficiary
   • Why AD Benefits: As the Lakers’ dominant big man, Anthony Davis is the primary beneficiary of Redick’s revamped system. The increased floor spacing has allowed Davis more room to operate inside without constantly facing double-teams. With shooters spreading the floor, defenses can’t collapse on him as easily, giving him more opportunities to exploit mismatches in the post and attack the basket.
   • How He’s Thriving: Davis is also benefiting from more pick-and-roll actions, where he can either roll to the rim or pop for a mid-range jumper. His ability to shoot from mid-range and finish at the rim makes him even more dangerous in this system, as Redick’s offensive principles play to his strengths as both a scorer and a playmaker.
2. LeBron James – More Efficient Playmaking
   • Why LeBron Benefits: LeBron James, known for his elite basketball IQ and vision, is benefiting from Redick’s system because it emphasizes ball movement and floor spacing, which gives him more options to create offense. With more spacing, LeBron has easier passing lanes and more opportunities to break down defenses, either to score himself or to find open shooters.
   • How He’s Thriving: LeBron no longer has to carry the full burden of creating offense in isolation. Instead, he can focus on making quick reads and using off-ball screens to get his teammates involved. This system helps preserve LeBron’s energy and keeps the offense flowing smoothly.
3. Austin Reaves – Thriving as a Playmaker and Shooter
   • Why Reaves Benefits: Austin Reaves has thrived in Redick’s system because of his ability to move without the ball, make quick decisions, and shoot efficiently from the perimeter. Reaves has taken on more responsibilities as both a secondary playmaker and a shooter, and Redick’s system has allowed him to maximize these s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s.
   • How He’s Thriving: The emphasis on off-ball movement has allowed Reaves to find open spaces and cut to the basket more effectively. His shooting from beyond the arc has improved due to more open looks, and he’s become a reliable secondary ball-handler, especially when LeBron or D’Angelo Russell is off the floor.
4. Rui Hachimura – A Versatile Scorer in a Perfect System
   • Why Rui Benefits: Hachimura’s combination of size, shooting, and athleticism has made him an ideal fit in Redick’s offense. He benefits from the increased spacing, which allows him to exploit mismatches, whether it’s in the post or from mid-range.
   • How He’s Thriving: Hachimura’s off-ball movement and cutting have improved, giving him more easy scoring opportunities at the rim. Additionally, he’s been more effective as a shooter, especially from mid-range, where Redick’s system sets him up with clean looks off of screens and ball movement.
5. Gabe Vincent – A Three-Point Specialist in the Right System
   • Why Vincent Benefits: Gabe Vincent has benefited greatly from Redick’s system, which encourages more three-point shooting and spacing. As a three-point specialist, Vincent is thriving with the Lakers, finding more open looks and becoming a key floor-spacer in the rotation.
   • How He’s Thriving: Redick’s system has given Vincent the green light to shoot from deep, allowing him to capitalize on his shooting ability. He’s also contributing with his ability to handle the ball in certain situations, but it’s his shooting that has been most impactful.

Final Thoughts: Who Benefits the Most?

Overall, the biggest beneficiaries of JJ Redick’s system are the players who thrive on movement, shooting, and smart decision-making. Anthony Davis and LeBron James are flourishing with the extra space and quicker tempo, while players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent have carved out key roles as shooters and secondary playmakers. Redick’s system not only modernizes the Lakers’ offense but makes it more dangerous by getting the most out of each player’s unique s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set.

As the Lakers continue to embrace Redick’s philosophy, they’ll be an even more potent force in the Western Conference, with their key players thriving in this transformed system.