The Importance of Roster Construction
The bulk of Steve Kerr's post-playing career had been spent in the broadcast booth before he emerged as a top coaching candidate. Despite lacking experience as a head or assistant coach, he received offers from two NBA teams—the Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks. Derek Fisher ultimately took the Knicks job, though he lasted less than two years.
As much importance as we assign to coaching hires, they don't matter much if the team can't get the roster right. This principle will be tested again with J.J. Redick's recent appointment as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Redick's success in Los Angeles will hinge on the players that Rob Pelinka and his front office can provide. A major focus will be the development of young talents like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Max Christie. This developmental priority was evident even during the Lakers' pursuit of other coaching candidates, such as Dan Hurley.
Offensive Strategy Adjustments
Redick plans to involve Anthony Davis more in the offense, especially in late-game situations. One of his major goals is to alleviate LeBron James' ball-handling duties to keep LeBron fresh for the playoffs. Trae Young's fit with the Lakers makes a lot of sense based on several of these criteria. The emphasis on a diversified offensive portfolio speaks volumes about Redick’s understanding of the modern game.
Redick’s Long-term Potential
Redick's hiring implies that the Lakers are thinking more long-term. Los Angeles is confident that Redick can be their version of Erik Spoelstra or Steve Kerr—a culture-setter who can grow with the franchise for over a decade. With foundational pieces like James and Davis, it's a solid starting point. However, during their 2020 championship run, the Lakers didn’t have a third star, which limited their ceiling. Targeting players like Malcolm Brogdon, who could probably be acquired for less than someone like Dejounte Murray, or Collin Sexton, who was reportedly on the Lakers' radar at the trade deadline, could address this issue.
The wing market, however, is typically less forgiving and more challenging to navigate. Most championship teams cultivate their own wings, and it appears the Lakers are ready to bet on Redick's developmental acumen in this regard.
Challenges in Acquiring Talent
Ball-handling tends to be a relatively available and cheap commodity in the market. The Lakers have spent significant assets on players like Dennis Schroder, Russell Westbrook, and D'Angelo Russell in recent years. In contrast, wings are much harder to come by and are often developed within the organization. Redick’s strategy might hinge on this very aspect, focusing on building and developing talent from within, rather than overextending in the trade market.
The Uncertain Future of LeBron James
LeBron James isn't a lock to return next season. Until his future is secured, the Lakers have to remain flexible about life after him. The uncertainty surrounding James adds an extra layer of complexity to the team’s planning and construction. There's no easy way to project the Lakers’ roster at this point. While we understand the broad strokes of how Redick wants to build the team, we lack concrete details on the overall plan.
As the season progresses, it will become clearer how Redick's vision will translate on the court. But for now, Lakers fans can only speculate and hope for the best. Redick's success will not be determined solely by his strategies; his success will be determined by how well the team can assemble a supportive and talented roster around him.
“Los Angeles is confident he can be their version of Erik Spoelstra or Steve Kerr—a culture-setter who can grow with the franchise for over a decade.”
In summary, roster construction remains paramount for any NBA team aiming for sustained success. As J.J. Redick takes on the challenge of leading the Lakers, the front office's ability to surround him with the right talent will be crucial. From player development to strategic acquisitions, every decision will play a pivotal role in defining the Lakers' future.