The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the new season with a fresh perspective, thanks to the influence of JJ Redick, who has joined the coaching staff and is helping revamp the team’s offensive and defensive strategies. Redick’s philosophy, shaped by his years as a sharpshooter and high-IQ player in the NBA, focuses on three key areas: moving Anthony Davis back to the power forward (4) position, increasing three-point shooting volume, and employing a more aggressive switch-heavy defense. Let’s break down how the Lakers are working to implement Redick’s new plans and how these changes could impact their success this season.
1. Anthony Davis Back to Power Forward
One of the most significant changes under Redick’s influence is the decision to shift Anthony Davis back to his more natural power forward position. For much of his time with the Lakers, AD has been forced to play center due to the team’s lack of traditional big men, but this move often takes a toll on his body and limits his versatility on both ends of the floor.
Why Moving AD to the 4 is Key
By playing Davis at the 4, the Lakers can preserve his health and maximize his effectiveness. Davis is most dominant when he can roam defensively, using his elite shot-blocking and perimeter defense to disrupt opposing offenses. When locked in at center, Davis is often stuck in the paint, battling bigger bodies, which can lead to wear and tear.
Moving him to power forward allows the Lakers to pair him with a traditional center—whether that’s Jaxson Hayes, a potential trade acquisition, or another big man—which frees Davis to operate more freely. On offense, Davis at the 4 gives him the flexibility to attack from the perimeter, post up smaller defenders, or stretch the floor, making the Lakers’ offense more unpredictable.
2. More 3-Point Shooting
Redick, known as one of the best three-point shooters of his generation, has made it clear that the Lakers need to emphasize spacing and shooting from beyond the arc. Last season, the Lakers ranked near the bottom of the league in three-point attempts, which limited their ability to create driving lanes for LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
How the Lakers Are Adjusting
The team has made a concerted effort to bring in more shooters during the offseason. Players like Gabe Vincent, who shot nearly 38% from deep during the Miami Heat’s playoff run, and Taurean Prince, a career 37% shooter from three, have been added to bolster the Lakers’ perimeter attack. Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell, both capable shooters, will also play larger roles in stretching the floor.
Redick has reportedly been working closely with these players to implement better off-ball movement, quicker release times, and more catch-and-shoot opportunities. The idea is to surround LeBron and AD with shooters who can knock down open looks, forcing defenses to respect the perimeter and opening up space for their stars to operate.
Additionally, Redick has encouraged the Lakers to push the pace in transition, with an emphasis on early threes. The goal is to create easier scoring opportunities and reduce the reliance on half-court sets, where defenses can key in on LeBron and AD.
3. Switch-Heavy Defense
On the defensive end, Redick’s plan involves more versatility and switching, a tactic becoming more popular in the modern NBA. The Lakers have the personnel to execute a switch-heavy defense, with players like Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Vincent being capable of defending multiple positions.
Why Switching Makes Sense
Switching defenses create confusion for opposing offenses, as players struggle to find mismatches or execute pick-and-rolls when every player on the court can hold their own in a switch. For the Lakers, this approach plays to the strengths of their roster, which is filled with athletic, long defenders who can guard multiple positions.
Anthony Davis, in particular, is a key component of this defensive shift. His ability to guard the perimeter as well as protect the rim makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. LeBron James, though older, is still a smart and effective defender in switch situations, while players like Vincent, Hachimura, and even Jarred Vanderbilt thrive in these schemes due to their defensive versatility.
Challenges and Adjustments
While these changes are exciting, there are challenges the Lakers will face in executing Redick’s vision. Moving Davis back to power forward means the Lakers need to solidify their center rotation. Jaxson Hayes has shown flashes of potential but remains inconsistent, and the team may need to explore other options (like potential trades for players like Myles Turner or Clint Capela) to fill that role adequately.
Additionally, for the switch-heavy defense to be effective, the Lakers will need strong communication and chemistry on that end. Switching can lead to defensive breakdowns if players aren’t on the same page, so it will take time to develop the level of cohesion needed for this system to work at a high level.
Offensively, relying more on three-point shooting also means the Lakers need to ensure their shooters are consistent. Players like Vincent and Prince will have to maintain their shooting efficiency throughout the season, and role players like Reaves and Hachimura will need to continue expanding their range.
Conclusion
JJ Redick’s influence on the Lakers is already apparent as they work to implement his new plans. By moving Anthony Davis back to power forward, increasing the focus on three-point shooting, and adopting a switch-heavy defensive approach, the Lakers are looking to maximize their roster’s potential in the modern NBA. If these changes click, the Lakers could become a more dynamic, flexible team on both ends of the floor, positioning themselves for a deep playoff run. However, it will require patience, adjustment, and possibly more roster moves to fully realize Redick’s vision.
