The Importance of Roster Construction
For any sports team, hiring the right coach is crucial. However, even the most brilliant coaching mind can be rendered ineffective if the team’s roster isn't up to par. Steve Kerr became a top candidate for head coaching positions with the Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks, despite having no prior coaching experience. Derek Fisher ultimately took the Knicks job but lasted less than two years. This underscores the point that coaching hires, while important, are only as good as the rosters they lead.
J.J. Redick’s success in Los Angeles will similarly depend largely on the players that Rob Pelinka and his front office can assemble. Key to this will be the development of young talents like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Max Christie. These players represent important building blocks for the future, a fact that was considered even during the Lakers’ pursuit of other coaching candidates such as Dan Hurley.
Offensive Strategy Adjustments
Redick plans to involve Anthony Davis more in the offense, especially in late-game situations. One of his primary goals is to reduce the ball-handling responsibilities of LeBron James to keep him fresh for the playoffs. Given these criteria, Trae Young’s fit with the Lakers appears promising. By sharing the offensive load, Redick aims to create a more balanced attack, which could be key to the Lakers’ long-term success.
Redick’s Long-term Potential
The hiring of Redick suggests that the Lakers are thinking more about their long-term future. Los Angeles is confident that Redick can become their version of Erik Spoelstra or Steve Kerr—a culture-setter who can grow with the franchise for over a decade. With foundational pieces like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and a focus on developing young talent, the Lakers are poised to build a strong team over the coming years.
However, during their 2020 championship run, the Lakers lacked a third star, which diminished their potential. Malcolm Brogdon could likely be acquired for less than players like Dejounte Murray, making him a more feasible target. Collin Sexton was another reported target for the Lakers at the trade deadline.
Challenges in Acquiring Talent
Another challenge lies in the acquisition of talent, especially when it comes to wings. Ball-handling is generally a more available and cheaper commodity in the market. The Lakers have invested significant assets in players like Dennis Schroder, Russell Westbrook, and D'Angelo Russell in recent years. Wings, on the other hand, are harder to come by and are often developed within an organization. Most championship teams cultivate their wings internally, and it appears the Lakers are ready to bet on Redick's developmental skills to achieve this.
The Uncertain Future of LeBron James
Another variable in the Lakers’ equation is the uncertain future of LeBron James. His return is not guaranteed, and until his future is secured, the Lakers must remain flexible in planning for life after him. As a result, projecting the Lakers’ roster at this point is difficult. While the broad strokes of Redick's vision for the team are known, concrete details on the overall plan are still lacking.
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 the best. Redick's success will not be determined solely by his strategies, but by how well the team can assemble a supportive and talented roster around him.
Conclusion
In the ever-competitive NBA landscape, a well-constructed roster is as crucial as tactical acumen. As the Lakers embark on this new chapter under J.J. Redick, their success will hinge on both the front office’s ability to build a strong team and Redick’s capacity to turn potential into performance. With the right pieces in place and a clear vision for the future, the Lakers could very well return to their championship-contending ways.
“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.”