The Los Angeles Lakers are 10-4, their best record through 14 games since the 2020-2021 NBA season.
More importantly, the Lakers are the third seed in a historically competitive Western Conference. Most importantly, they’ve done all this without a major roster change since last season. The only exception is the drafting of rookie stud Dalton Knecht and fan-favorite Bronny James. To be fair, their schedule has been rather easy up to this point, and they have the fifth-toughest remaining schedule in front of them. Even so, it’s hard not to appreciate the differences between this year and last.
What’s Different?
The short answer is two words: JJ Redick. The new hire has been making his mark on the league.
The long answer: The Lakers offense has motion. The games have recently been filled with quick cuts, open threes, and quick rim runs. Gone are the days of Lakers players standing stagnant, waiting for LeBron to make a play. Or in some cases, LeBron standing stagnant waiting for other Lakers to make a play. Most importantly, however, Redick has changed how All-NBA center Anthony Davis is utilized.
Rather than using him as a traditional big man in pick-and-roll settings, Redick has used Anthony Davis as a conduit through which the entire offense runs. No longer does the ball disappear from Davis’ hands in clutch situations. Redick has empowered Davis, and at 31, he is having potentially the best season of his career. Davis is averaging an absurd 30.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists all while shooting a career-best 41.4% from beyond the arc.
Additionally, by moving a chronically streaky D’Angelo Russell to the bench, he has forced playmakers like Austin Reaves, and of course, LeBron James to run the offense. This has paid off exceptionally. LeBron had four straight triple-doubles for the first time in his career and has essentially been acting as the point guard. Reaves has also been empowered, having a career year. He’s been so good that he’s averaging the same stats as longtime rival Jamal Murray.
Giving LeBron a Break
What’s especially beautiful about these changes is how Redick lightens the offensive burden for his oldest player.
LeBron James is having an incredibly efficient season while having the lowest usage rate of his career. He is shooting his best career percentage from beyond the three-point line. Most importantly, however, the offensive load is no longer solely on him and Davis. LeBron can step up and still be the best player on the floor, but he no longer has to be. Considering he will turn 40 soon, this is an incredible situation for the aging legend.
All this to say, the Lakers look incredible playing in Redick’s modern offense. If the defense continues to uptrend and players like Jarred Vanderbilt can get healthy, it will be difficult to count them out in May.
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