The Lakeshow Review

In anticipation of Monday’s NBA Media Day, General Manager Rob Pelinka and team Head Coach JJ Redick held a press conference last Thursday where they addressed the media regarding all things Lakers and the upcoming season. In it were the usual exchanges that take place during these gatherings, with Rob and JJ going back and forth with the media in a way you’d expect. However, occasionally, there were some kernels of knowledge dropped that are insightful as far as the current state of the organization and their plans for the immediate future.

The first one being JJ Redick’s extension. Apparently, JJ’s contract was extended at some point during the offseason but was only announced until now. Redick initially singed a 4-year deal with the Purple and Gold, prior to the 2024-25 season. After this new extension, his contract will be extended for an extra two years, through 2030. The Lakers view this as an investment of confidence in Redick’s ability to coach and grow as leader. Perhaps also as a bid to cement a player-coach partnership between newly-extended superstar Luka Dončić and a newly-extended Redick. This signals to the rest of the league and those watching that the Lakers’ motto of the day is stability.

While I understand the intent, I can’t view this as anything other than unnecessary. Redick already had a 4-year deal in place, and after a lackluster showing during last season’s playoffs, it would be incumbent on the organization to observe how he responds and maintain an honest evaluation throughout the remaining three years on his contract. Maybe they see something in JJ Redick after extending him for an additional two years, and maybe they are correct in their assessment. But surely, he’s yet to prove it on the court. I don’t particularly love the idea of the Lakers diving head-first into a commitment before they’ve gone through the proper trials. Think Taylen Horton-Tucker’s extension. JJ could very well end up being LAs next Pat Riley, or it’s next Mike Brown. Either way, let him earn it. Of course, I hope JJ is in fact the next Riley, but I’d be lying if I said this doesn’t feel a bit premature. Particularly with new ownership rolling in.

For his credit, Redick seems increasingly and positively committed to being the Lakers’ coach. He’s maintained constant dialogue with his players throughout the summer, and has generally been involved with the team’s day-to-day operations all throughout the offseason. Based on what he said during the presser, he’s also sought mentorship from other successful sportsmen outside of basketball, such as the L.A. Rams’ Head Coach Sean McVay, and even Tom Brady. Additionally, he’s spent a good time consulting ChatGPT for extra guidance. He’s certainly performed his due diligence when it comes to improving as a coach and as a leader. Now it remains to bee seen how it manifests on the court.

Aside from JJ’s current status within the organization, him and Pelinka also discussed the roles of newcomers Jake LaRavia, Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton. Starting with LaRavia, they view him as a young up-and-coming player with lots of room to grow as well as someone who can emerge as a 3&D weapon. That’s exactly what you want to hear, and exactly what I’ve been saying of LaRavia since he signed. As far as Smart, they’re hopeful that he can recapture his old defensive capabilities and return to his DPOY caliber self. Another aspect they mentioned of Smart is his leadership; he’s someone who’s voice will be counted on to provide an example and set the tone for the younger players. Given his experience and abilities, he can definitely impact the the locker room in a positive way. When it comes to Ayton, he’s someone that the team expects to get alot out of on the offensive end. Particularly on the pick-and-roll, next to Luka Dončić. Redick mentioned how Ayton already experienced great success operating as a screen-setter and roller next to Chris Paul, during the Phoenix Suns’ 2021 run to the NBA Finals. Ayton was also praised for his unique feel for two-man action, which will be an integral component when it comes to his offensive output.

It’s good to see that the Lakers have a good idea of what to expect from their new acquisitions, and so far have said all the right things. It would have been interesting to hear a little bit more about Deandre Ayton’s defense, as that’s an area of his game that could use some improvement, not to mention crucial to the team’s defensive outlook. Additionally, Redick also spoke of incumbent Lakers, and their respective roles for the upcoming season, namely Rui Hachimura. LA seems to value Rui tremendously, as he is someone that the front office ‘discovered’. Such players always seem to be a source of pride for organizations, as evidenced by the Lakers’ glowing appraisal of his game. Rui was praised for his conditioning by Redick. Conditioning was a recurring theme expressed by Redick throughout the event, as he explicitly called for players to arrive to training camp in their best possible shape. I think this is a very good thing, you want to see coaches demand this level of commitment out of their players. Dalton Knecht was also mentioned, with Redick making the case for Dalton having over-worked himself during the summer, which goes a long way in explaining his subpar play during Summer League action. Personally, I think Knecht will look much better in pre-season, and during the season. So we’ll see.

Overall, JJ Redick’s vision for this team is quite clear. He will preach “championship shape”, “championship communication” and “championship habits”. He wants players to show up ready to go, with the collective aim of competing for a championship. He’s also, seemingly, put in the work to get better. He’s maintained a constant line of dialogue with his assistants, which already sets a great example for players when it comes to communication. I like alot of what was said, by both Redick and Pelinka. I do wish there had been more explicit discussion regarding the starting five, and Redick’s plan for rotations. But we’ll see soon enough what that looks like, as pre-season will be kicking off very soon. I just hope JJ has the open-mindedness and flexibility to tinker with lineups based on what the season demands. It is very encouraging to hear about his passion for individual player fitness, the buy-in, the communication and the attention to detail, both in practice and in-game action. All of these are integral components to a championship unit. It comes down to how passionately and how effectively JJ can institute these principles. But so far, you love to hear what they’ve had to say. It’ll be interesting to see how these ideals materialize as the season begins. Until then, let’s hope players come in ready to go for training camp. Go Lakers.