JJ Redick recently discussed what plans he has for the Los Angeles Lakers. The majority of NBA fans should be aware that the Lakers fired their former coach and have hired JJ Redick to take up the position for the upcoming 2024-2025 NBA season.
This decision generated quite a debate among the basketball community. Some claimed that JJ has quite good basketball IQ and intellect while others pointed out that he would not have gotten the position if he did not have a good relationship with Lakers star LeBron James.
Redick sat down for an interview after officially accepting the position as head coach and had quite a lot to say. Now that the context has been provided, let us take a closer look and find out more.
JJ Redick believes Rui Hachimura can also be an elite offensive rebounder and three-point shooter
One might assume that the new Los Angeles Lakers coach will give the majority of his attention and focus to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. After all, they are the cornerstones of the franchise and are undoubtedly top 20 players in the NBA. However, JJ Redick revealed that he also plans to utilize other players from the Lakers roster.
Given that LeBron James will be in his 22nd NBA season next year while AD is known to be injury-prone and unreliable at times, focusing on the other members of the Lakers’ roster and leveling them up could be considered the main priority at this point in time.
“You know, I had great conversations this weekend. My conversations with Austin and my conversations with Rui. I think for him in terms of how I envision him on this team. I want him shooting more 3s. So that’s a big part of it. I brought up the offensive rebounding. He can really become an elite offensive rebounder.”Considering that Rui Hachimura averaged more than 42% from the three-point line last season, fans can certainly understand why JJ Redick wants him to shoot more frequently and with confidence. Moreover, Hachimura is listed at 6’8 and undoubtedly has the athletic ability and physicality to secure offensive rebounds for the Lakers.
JJ Redick wants to focus on the development of other Lakers stars
Although LeBron James and Anthony Davis are far from perfect themselves, JJ Redick has already realized that there are other younger players on the Lakers that need to develop furthermore in order for the team to get to the next level. From D’Angelo Russell to Austin Reaves, there are several stars that need to fit into their role and understand their situation.
While what JJ Redick has planned for his team certainly sounds good in theory, one should also keep in mind that theorizing during a podcast and adapting to the opposition as a head coach are very different things. Fans are left wondering what the Lakers will be able to accomplish next season with JJ Redick as their head coach.