Report: JJ Redick looking to utilize LeBron James off the ball, involve Anthony Davis late in games
JJ Redick was reportedly “impressive” during meetings with the Lakers, showing off his basketball knowledge and how he sees Anthony Davis and LeBron James working together.
Now that JJ Redick has reportedly agreed on a four-year deal to be the Lakers' next head coach, the franchise can exhale momentarily. This process felt more like a marathon than a sprint, but the Lakers, it seems, did their due diligence.
With so much uncertainty about Redick’s actual coaching acumen, the Lakers took their time and had discussions with him about his approach. Naturally, this was a big discussion point during his in-person interview with the Lakers.
On Thursday, Shams Charania, Sam Amick and Jovan Buha of The Athletic detailed the discussions Redick had with the Lakers and offered some insight on his philosophy with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers next season.
“Multiple sources with direct knowledge of the meeting described Redick as “impressive” during his visit to Los Angeles, diving deep into his offensive and defensive philosophies and displaying his passion for the sport that foreshadowed a willingness to submit himself to the countless working hours for the modern head coach.
He explained his decision-making process when it comes to strategy, how the analysis and empirical evidence would always guide his choices rather than preconceived notions or outdated beliefs. Redick described a system molded around this roster, focusing on elevating Anthony Davis’ involvement, particularly late in games, and alleviating the constant ballhandling duties on James by utilizing him more off the ball. Keeping James, who turns 40 in December, fresh down the stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs will be critical.”
The best way to use LeBron and AD has been long debated, but the idea of James being less on the ball and finding ways to get Davis more involved has been a constant topic of conversation.
Davis had arguably his best year as a Laker in the 2023-24 season, averaging 24.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game. However, he would have long stretches without getting a shot up and games where his offense disappeared completely.
The playoffs series against the Nuggets was a prime example, including Game 5 where he took 11 shots overall and only one in the fourth quarter.
With your season hanging in the balance and your best player playing in every minute of the final quarter, you'd think he could get more looks at the basket.
Getting James off the ball is all about lightening the 39-year-old's workload. He needs to do less and less as he ages, yet somehow, his responsibility has stayed the same throughout his years as a Laker.
If Redick can get James to buy in and play off the ball, run more through AD during the clutch time and win games in the process, that would be a tremendous success for the first-time coach.
A lot here is theoretical and exciting, but it's hard to tell what is just delusional optimism and what is realistic until we hear more from Redick and his stars and see this team in action this fall.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.