4 reasons why JJ Redick can take the Lakers to the Finals after emphatic debut win
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 110-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in their 2024-25 season opener. First-year head coach JJ Redick built an inspired game plan for Los Angeles as it picked up its first win in a season opener since 2016.
While it's too early to predict a finished product from the Lakers, there were promising signs from Los Angeles in its first game. Going off keys from their opener, here are four reasons why JJ Redick can push the Lakers over the top for an NBA championship.
4 Reasons Why JJ Redick Can Take the Lakers to the Finals
Greater Offensive Activity
Los Angeles had a promising offensive performance versus the Timberwolves despite struggling to connect from 3-point range. Off-ball players already appear to be more active in Redick's offensive scheme. While the Lakers hit on just 5 of 30 3-point attempts, Redick's offense showed the ability to create open shots.
Redick implemented creative slip-screens and off-ball screens to get his shooters open. Even on an off shooting night, Los Angeles mustered a win in its coach's debut with increased motion in his offensive game plan.
Spreading the Wealth Offensively
Anthony Davis looked like the true No. 1 option for Los Angeles in its season-opener, putting up 23 shots in Redicks's offensive strategy. Davis got to the free-throw line at will, cashing in and shooting 13 of 15 from the line.
But he wasn't the only one finding shots, as each Lakers starter logged a dozen or more shot attempts. The Lakers have no shortage of offensive talent and keeping everyone involved will be crucial. Keeping LeBron James fresh is another perk to spreading the shots around offensively as his offensive output is better maximized for the playoffs.
Winning the Turnover Battle
Versus the Timberwolves, the Lakers turned the ball over just seven times, arguably the most promising feat for Redick's team. Last season, Los Angeles averaged 14.0 turnovers per game, the 11th-highest mark in the league, while forcing 12.7, where they also ranked 11th.
The Lakers also impressed defensively. While his offensive creativity appeared to steal the show in his coaching debut, Redick's defensive game plan helped his team force 15 turnovers versus Minnesota, winning the turnover differential by eight.
Building Frontcourt Rotation
One of Darvin Ham's biggest criticisms was his unwillingness to look to Jaxson Hayes for depth in the post. Last season under Ham, Hayes logged just 12.5 minutes per game off the bench, costing Los Angeles the size advantage without Anthony Davis on the floor.
JJ Redick utilizing Hayes off the bench helped Davis stay fresh on the offensive end, as seen by his 36-point performance versus Minnesota. In 17 minutes off the bench, Hayes notched 10 points, four rebounds and one block, proving his value as a key piece in the rotation