Podcast Summary: The Athletic NBA Daily – "Can JJ Redick Make the Lakers a Top Tier Offense?"

Release Date: October 9, 2024

Hosts: Jared Weiss and Mo Takeil
Guests: None (Regular appearances by The Athletic’s NBA reporters)

Introduction

In this episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, Jared Weiss and Mo Takeil delve into the Los Angeles Lakers' offensive strategies under their new coach, J.J. Redick. The discussion centers on whether Redick can elevate the Lakers into a top-tier offensive team, analyzing the team’s current playbook, key player roles, and potential challenges ahead.

Lakers' Offensive Strategies Under J.J. Redick

Implementing New Play Structures

Jared Weiss kicks off the conversation by highlighting the Lakers' renewed offensive momentum. "The Lakers, with new coach J.J. Redick and superstar Anthony Davis, look like they have a coherent and exciting offense," he remarks ([02:31]). Mo Takeil builds on this enthusiasm, noting that while the Lakers aren't revolutionizing their playbook, they are successfully executing fundamental strategies. "They're actually running an offense, right? Setting up horns, putting different guys in there, having AD kind of play at the high post and playing out of the elbow really nice there," Mo explains ([02:44]).

Execution of Horns and Wedge Roll Actions

The hosts discuss specific offensive formations, such as the horns action and wedge roll. Jared recalls a particular play: "LeBron gave it to AD in the post and then D'Angelo Russell set a screen for LeBron, who cut right down the middle for the give and go," highlighting the effectiveness of simple, repeatable plays ([03:57]). Mo elaborates on the wedge roll, providing a tactical breakdown: "The guard brings up the ball on the side, fakes a cut to the basket, sets a screen for the big man, who can then move into the post or set a ball screen," he explains ([05:19]).

Maximizing Anthony Davis’s Role

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Anthony Davis (AD) and his optimal usage within the offense. In a prior episode, the hosts debated AD’s three-point shooting. Mo Takeil defends his stance: "AD shouldn't be taking a lot more threes. If you can't make them, you shouldn't be taking them," he asserts ([06:17]). He emphasizes the importance of using AD in ways that maximize his strengths: "I love the horns action with him and putting him at the elbow. He had two great dimes... I think he's at his best in a face-up game" ([08:31]).

Balancing Creativity and Efficiency

The hosts explore the balance between creative offensive plays and shot efficiency. Mo expresses caution against overemphasizing three-point attempts without ensuring high conversion rates: "They have to be more concerned with good shot hunting instead of just three-point shot hunting," he advises ([09:04]). Jared adds that early preseason shooting performances may not reflect regular-season efficiency but acknowledges the potential for improvement as players find their rhythm ([10:20]).

J.J. Redick’s Coaching Approach

Coaching Philosophy and Adaptability

Mo Takeil shares insights on J.J. Redick’s coaching style, drawing from his previous experience with Redick during his time with the Clippers. "He's introducing stuff offensively and is interested to see what the defense kind of looks like," Mo observes ([11:35]). They also discuss Redick's potential responses to challenges, such as losing streaks, and how his approach during high-pressure situations will reveal his coaching acumen ([12:44]).

Communication and Leadership

Jared Weiss touches on Redick’s communication style, speculating on how he might handle press conferences and team morale during tough times. Mo reassures that Redick maintains a composed demeanor: "He's not going to be really no-nonsense or anything like that," he states ([11:35]). The discussion underscores the importance of leadership in building a resilient and adaptable team.

Transition to Pelicans and Zion Williamson’s Performance

While the primary focus remains on the Lakers, the conversation briefly shifts to the New Orleans Pelicans and their star player, Zion Williamson.

Zion Williamson’s Offensive Prowess

Mo Takeil praises Williamson's agility and offensive creativity, noting his improved speed and ability to create plays: "Zion was aggressively finding guys, getting into the lane... some really impressive stuff," he comments ([13:12]). The hosts express optimism about Zion’s potential to become an All-NBA player if he maintains his health and continues to develop his skills ([14:16]).

Defensive Considerations and Team Dynamics

The discussion also covers the Pelicans' defensive challenges, particularly regarding center position and Dejounte Murray’s role. Mo emphasizes the importance of Murray stepping up as a defensive anchor: "Murray can really amp it up another level... they need him to be a lockdown defender" ([17:33]). They highlight the necessity for the team to address rim protection to complement their perimeter defense ([18:10]).

Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Jared Weiss and Mo Takeil reiterate the Lakers' promising start under J.J. Redick’s coaching. The successful implementation of foundational offensive plays and the strategic use of key players like Anthony Davis bode well for the team's potential to ascend to a top-tier offensive status. Additionally, the insights into Zion Williamson’s development and the Pelicans' defensive strategies provide a broader perspective on the Western Conference's competitive landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• JJ Redick’s Impact: Effective implementation of basic offensive strategies is crucial; Redick’s adaptability will be tested as the season progresses.
• Anthony Davis’s Role: Maximizing AD’s strengths in the high post and face-up plays rather than relying on three-point shooting enhances offensive efficiency.
• Team Dynamics: Both the Lakers and Pelicans show potential, contingent on player development, health, and strategic execution.

Notable Quotes:

• Mo Takeil ([02:44]): "They're actually running an offense, right? Setting up horns, putting different guys in there..."
• Mo Takeil ([06:17]): "AD shouldn't be taking a lot more threes. If you can't make them, you shouldn't be taking them."
• Mo Takeil ([11:35]): "He's not going to be really no-nonsense or anything like that."
• Mo Takeil ([17:33]): "Murray can really amp it up another level... they need him to be a lockdown defender."

This comprehensive analysis provides listeners with a clear understanding of the Lakers' offensive strategies under JJ Redick, the pivotal role of Anthony Davis, and a brief overview of the Pelicans' prospects with Zion Williamson. Whether you're a dedicated NBA follower or a casual fan, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of two key Western Conference teams.