JJ Redick’s extreme coaching measures have unlocked dormant $186 million weapon as Lakers off to best start in 14 years
JJ Redick is making this coaching business look easy.
For the first time since the 2010-11 season under legendary head coach Phil Jackson and franchise icon Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers are 3-0 to start the season.
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Not bad for a former NBA journeyman with no prior coaching experience.
Despite his lack of coaching pedigree, Redick is an extremely high IQ basketball mind with a deep understanding of the NBA's X's and O's.
Perhaps more importantly, though, players respect him. That comes from the top of the player pyramid down, starting with Redick's former podcast co-host LeBron James, who has a clear reverence for a man just one year older than him.
Lakers fans have been praising Redick for his hands-on style of coaching and commitment to fostering a positive and enjoyable work environment in the post Darvin Ham days.
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Redick’s work ethic and relentless pursuit of excellence also hasn't gone unnoticed, with ex NBA pro Baron Davis recently sharing the extreme measures the former sharpshooter is going to to keep the Lakers relevant.
“Just ran into @jj_redick at the Car Wash. He had the Laptop watching film!!!! Players coach!!! Lakers in great hands,” Davis wrote on X.
Redick was asked about the story and confirmed that what Davis saw was real -- he was indeed watching film inside a car wash.
“It’s the circumstance of the back-to-back,” he said, when asked how common it is for him to watch game film in public.
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“Basically, I spent last night and this morning on tying the bow from last night’s game and a little bit looking forward to today. This morning, it was no different.”
The former Duke Blue Devil added that both of his sons had basketball games during the afternoon, and the car wash was next door.
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“Very efficient use of time,” Redick added. “I watch a lot of film, but that’s not normal, no. Thanks, Baron.”
Redick's comments came before the Lakers moved to 3-0 with a 131-127 win over the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena.
LeBron and Anthony Davis both racked up over 30 points, but it is AD's performances of late that should give Lakers fans the biggest encouragement.
Davis posted his third consecutive 30-plus point game against the Kings, contributing 31 points, nine rebounds and two blocks in his first career win over Domantas Sabonis.
The 31-year-old is averaging 34 points and 11 rebounds through three games, doing it on both sides of the ball and making a (very) early case for Defensive Player of the Year.
Davis, who signed a three-year, $186 million contract extension with the team last year, became the third member of the Lakers to score at least 35 points in back-to-back games to begin the season, joining franchise legends Jerry West and Elgin Baylor.
"We've been able to hold our own and put the league on notice that we're a different team," the Team USA Olympic gold medalist said after the victory against Sacramento.
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Once upon a time, Charles Barkley said Davis would become the best player in the world.
But that was back when Davis was the jewel in the crown of the New Orleans' Hornets/Pelicans and was a undisputed No. 1 option.
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Chuck's prediction ultimately failed to materialize as Davis, like Dwyane Wade and Kyrie Irving before him, was forced to play second fiddle to 'King James'.
Davis has won a championship out of it, but between being the Robin to James' Batman, constant position changes, and injuries (Barkley coined the nickname 'Street Clothes' for Davis due to his tendency to find himself on the bench), his individual stock has taken a hit.
AD is a nine-time All-Star. He's a first ballot Hall of Famer.
But he should be a perennial MVP candidate and multiple Defensive Player of the Year. He should be in the conversation for best player in the world, alongisde Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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That is yet to come to fruition, but with Redick now in the Lakers hot-seat, Davis is looking like his unstoppable best.
And, with James now in the midst of his 22nd season and more than willing to pass the torch, Davis is embracing his role as the Lakers’ No. 1 option.
This squad only goes as far as Davis takes them this season, and the early signs suggest this is a team more than capable of contending at the top of the loaded Western Conference.
Redick has made a point of making Davis an integral part of the Lakers' offense, and both the team and Davis are flourishing as a result.
"He [Redick] thinks that there is more there for [Davis] to give, and I think everybody's agreed with that throughout his career," ESPN's Brian Windhorst .
"And then look at things that you do with style of play that can help you tighten the gaps and he's doing it with focusing on being more efficient with possessions."
“It’s very important that he’s [Davis] the main focal point for us every single night,” LeBron recently said.
“We know what he’s going to do defensively, but offensively we have to find him in multiple places on the floor throughout the whole game.
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Now in his 13th season in The Association, this is arguable the very best version of AD we've ever seen.
The rest of the league will rightly be on notice.
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