The Los Angeles Lakers' 2023-24 NBA season was a tale of two halves, largely influenced by a pivotal lineup change instituted by head coach Darvin Ham. As the team struggled to a 21-22 record over their first 43 games, Ham decided it was time to shake things up.
On January 21, in their 44th game of the season, Ham started LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura together for the first time. This lineup alteration proved to be a masterstroke, as the Lakers emerged victorious against the Portland Trail Blazers. It was the spark the team needed, and from that point on, this starting unit compiled an impressive 18-6 record, outscoring opponents by 5.5 points per 100 possessions.
A New Era Under JJ Redick
As the Lakers' 2023-24 season drew to a close, a significant development loomed on the horizon: the announcement of JJ Redick as the head coach for the 2024-25 season. Redick, a former NBA sharpshooter turned coach, has already laid out his vision for the team. He emphasized the strategic use of LeBron James in his plans, stating, "LeBron is one of the smartest players, and I think using him as a screener and finding ways to get him the ball in specific spots on the floor where he can be a facilitator and scorer, that's what I mean by being off the ball." His insights suggest a nuanced approach aimed at leveraging James' versatility.
Challenges and Defensive Concerns
Despite the success of the new lineup, it has not been without its challenges. Starting Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell together poses defensive vulnerabilities. Both guards have shown prowess on the offensive end, but their defensive capabilities have been called into question. This configuration places additional defensive pressure on Anthony Davis, who has been the anchor of the Lakers' defense. While Davis is more than capable, relying heavily on him raises concerns about wear and tear over the course of a grinding NBA season.
Moreover, Rui Hachimura, though a valuable piece of the new starting five, is not primarily known for his perimeter defense. This could be a potential weak link that opponents might look to exploit, especially in a conference loaded with sharpshooting wings and stretch forwards.
Looking Forward
The Lakers' early 2024-25 schedule presents a stern test for Redick's newly formed squad. With matchups against the Timberwolves, the Suns (twice), the Kings, and the Cavaliers, it will be crucial for the team to gel quickly under the new system.
JJ Redick’s strategic approach and his ability to manage the talents of James, Davis, Reaves, Russell, and Hachimura will be under close scrutiny. The emphasis, as Redick pointed out, will be on maximizing LeBron’s basketball IQ and facilitating roles that play to the strengths of the Lakers’ top players. The outcome of this tactical experiment will define the Lakers' fate as they seek to return to their championship-contending form of years past.
Intriguingly, as Redick steps into the coaching limelight, the decisions on defensive schemes and offensive roles will highlight his adaptability and understanding of the modern NBA game. If he manages to address the defensive concerns while maintaining the offensive efficiency that the new starting unit has shown, the Lakers could well be on their way to a successful season.
Overall, the 2024-25 season promises to be one of both challenges and opportunities. With a blend of veteran leadership and youthful talent, the Lakers aim to strike a balance that propels them back to the top of the NBA hierarchy. The narrative of JJ Redick's coaching debut, intertwined with the ever-evolving dynamics of the team's roster, sets the stage for an intriguing chapter in the storied franchise’s history.