A Strong Start and Rising Expectations for the Lakers’ New Coach
In the world of professional basketball, few roles are as scrutinized as that of an NBA head coach. Entering his first season at the helm of the Los Angeles Lakers, JJ Redick is experiencing the thrill of pursuing his coaching dreams while simultaneously facing relentless scrutiny. Yet, through a promising 4-2 start to the season, Redick is proving that he’s more than up to the challenge.
The Lakers are averaging an impressive 118.3 points per game, positioning them as one of the league’s top offensive teams. This improvement from last season’s 117.3 points per game is notable, especially considering that the team has not leaned heavily on three-pointers, and superstar LeBron James has yet to hit his full stride. Under Redick’s stewardship, the Lakers are poised to elevate their scoring capabilities even further, signaling the potential for a remarkable season ahead.
Praise from Unexpected Places
On a recent episode of ATS Unplugged, former NBA players Matt Barnes and Gene Davis turned their attention to Redick’s impressive start. They discussed how the new coach has reshaped the team’s identity and effectively harnessed the talents of superstars like Anthony Davis and LeBron James. During their conversation, Barnes urged Davis to acknowledge Redick’s impact, saying:
“JJ, you’re doing a good job, baby. You keep it up, you know how we are. We’re kind of finicky here. You lose a couple games, and your a** will be outta here. So right now you’re doing well. I’m happy to see it… From what I’m seeing right now, the players respect him.”
Davis echoed Barnes’ sentiments, conceding that many doubted Redick’s ability to command respect in the locker room. The pair’s discussion highlighted a collective realization that Redick’s leadership is changing the narrative around the Lakers.
The Arrogance of Hard Work
Barnes did not hold back in expressing his admiration for Redick, crediting him for his work ethic and confidence. He remarked, “JJ moves around with an arrogance and a confidence because he does the work.” This respect isn’t just professional; it’s personal. Barnes recounted how Redick has evolved from a player he initially found intimidating to one of his closest friends in the game, reinforcing the idea that Redick’s character shines through both on and off the court.
As the season unfolds, Redick’s performance as a head coach is silencing skeptics and defying expectations. His ability to galvanize the team and establish a strong rapport with his players suggests that he may indeed be the right person for the job.
A Call for Recognition
As the Lakers continue to navigate the ups and downs of the NBA season, the conversation around Redick’s coaching merits will only intensify. Matt Barnes and Gene Davis may owe him an apology, not just for their initial skepticism but for underestimating his potential to lead one of the league’s most storied franchises. With Redick at the helm, the Lakers are poised for a transformative season, and it’s time for all to recognize and respect his contributions to the team’s success.
