The Importance of Roster Construction
Steve Kerr spent the bulk of his post-playing career in the broadcast booth. Without any prior experience as a head or assistant coach, Kerr still emerged as the top candidate during a pivotal hiring cycle and was offered two jobs. Both the Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks sought him out, but he ultimately chose the Warriors over the Knicks, a decision that led to tremendous success. On the other hand, Derek Fisher took the Knicks job and lasted less than two years. This scenario underscores that coaching hires, while important, do not matter much if the team can't get the roster right.
Looking at the Los Angeles Lakers, JJ Redick’s success will hinge on the players that General Manager Rob Pelinka and his front office can acquire. The development of young talents such as Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Max Christie will be a key focus moving forward. This developmental priority remained significant even during their pursuit of other coaching candidates like Dan Hurley.
Offensive Strategy Adjustments
Redick plans to involve Anthony Davis more in the Lakers' offensive schemes, especially in late-game situations. One of his primary goals is to alleviate LeBron James' ball-handling duties to keep James fresh for the playoffs. In this context, Trae Young's fit with the Lakers makes considerable sense based on several criteria, including his ball-handling and scoring abilities.
Redick’s Long-term Potential
By hiring JJ Redick, the Lakers are signaling a long-term vision. Los Angeles is confident that Redick can be their version of Erik Spoelstra or Steve Kerr—a culture-setter who can grow with the franchise over an extended period. Starting with foundational pieces like James and Davis, it's a solid beginning. During their 2020 championship run, the Lakers didn’t have a third star, which limited their ceiling. This time around, Malcolm Brogdon is cited as a potential acquisition that could come at a lower cost compared to someone like Dejounte Murray. Additionally, Collin Sexton was reportedly a target for the Lakers at the trade deadline.
Challenges in Acquiring Talent
The market for acquiring wing players is typically less forgiving and more challenging to navigate. Ball-handling skills tend to be more readily available and affordable. Over recent years, the Lakers have spent significant assets on players like Dennis Schroder, Russell Westbrook, and D'Angelo Russell. In contrast, wings are much harder to come by and are often developed within the organization. Most championship teams cultivate their own wings, and the Lakers appear ready to bet on Redick's developmental acumen in this regard.
The Uncertain Future of LeBron James
One significant variable is the uncertain future of LeBron James. James isn't a lock to return, and until his future is secured, the Lakers have to remain flexible in preparing for life after him. There’s no easy way to project the Lakers’ roster at this point. While the broad strokes of how Redick wants to build the team are understood, concrete details on the overall plan remain elusive. As the season progresses, it will become clearer how Redick's vision will translate on the court. For now, Lakers fans can only speculate and hope for an optimistic outcome.
Redick's eventual success will not be determined solely by his strategic insights. It will also rely on how well the team can assemble a supportive and talented roster around him. According to sources within the organization, "Los Angeles is confident he can be their version of Erik Spoelstra or Steve Kerr—a culture-setter who can grow with the franchise for over a decade." The combination of a well-constructed roster and innovative coaching methods will be crucial as the Lakers aim to return to championship form.