As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for the upcoming NBA season, they find themselves in an unusual position: navigating through an offseason that has seen significant changes to their coaching staff, but relatively few upgrades to their roster. In particular, the addition of former NBA sharpshooter J.J. Redick as an assistant coach has garnered significant attention, signaling a shift in the team’s strategic direction. Yet, for all the excitement about their bolstered bench staff, fans and analysts alike have voiced growing concerns about the front office’s reluctance to make more substantial player acquisitions.
This juxtaposition—fresh perspectives on the sidelines but a largely unchanged lineup—has sparked debate over whether the Lakers have done enough to position themselves as legitimate title contenders in a league that continues to evolve. With superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge, expectations are always high in Los Angeles. However, questions remain about whether the team’s supporting cast and depth are strong enough to withstand the rigorous demands of a full season and deep playoff run.
The Hiring of J.J. Redick: A New Voice on the Sidelines
The addition of J.J. Redick as an assistant coach is perhaps the most notable move the Lakers made this offseason. Redick, a respected NBA veteran known for his shooting prowess, retired from professional basketball in 2021 after a 15-year career that spanned several teams, including the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, and New Orleans Pelicans. Since hanging up his sneakers, Redick has built a successful media career as an analyst and podcaster, earning a reputation for his thoughtful, insightful takes on the game.
Redick’s move to coaching has been met with optimism from both fans and the basketball community. His experience as a player, particularly as one of the league’s premier shooters, brings a valuable perspective to the Lakers’ coaching staff. Head coach Darvin Ham praised the hire, noting that Redick’s basketball IQ and understanding of modern NBA offenses could be instrumental in shaping the team’s approach on both ends of the floor.
“J.J. has a wealth of knowledge that we’re excited to tap into,” Ham said in a recent press conference. “He’s played at the highest level, and he understands the intricacies of today’s game—spacing, shooting, movement without the ball. These are all areas where he can have a direct impact on our players.”
For a Lakers team that has often struggled with perimeter shooting in recent years, Redick’s influence could be particularly important. Throughout his career, Redick was known for his off-ball movement and ability to create scoring opportunities by coming off screens. His coaching philosophy is expected to emphasize better ball movement, spacing, and shot selection—areas where the Lakers have been inconsistent.
One player who could benefit significantly from Redick’s guidance is Austin Reaves, the emerging young guard who has shown flashes of brilliance but still has room to grow as a shooter. Reaves’ ability to move without the ball, coupled with Redick’s mentorship, could help him develop into a more reliable and consistent offensive threat.
Moreover, Redick’s experience in high-pressure playoff situations is invaluable for a Lakers team that will once again have championship aspirations. His insights on how to execute in crunch time could provide a boost to a team that, despite its star power, has struggled with late-game execution.
Bench Depth: Coaching Overhaul Without Roster Moves
While the coaching overhaul, particularly with Redick’s addition, has garnered excitement, the same cannot be said about the team’s roster. The Lakers’ offseason has been marked by a surprising lack of activity on the player front, especially considering the flurry of moves made by other contenders in the Western Conference. The Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors have all made significant roster improvements, while the Lakers have largely stood pat, retaining much of the same core that fell short in last season’s Western Conference Finals.
The Lakers’ front office, led by general manager Rob Pelinka, has faced growing criticism for this perceived inactivity. Many expected the team to make a splash in free agency or explore trade options to bolster their depth, especially after their playoff exit exposed some glaring weaknesses. Instead, the Lakers have opted to bring back several familiar faces, including D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura, while relying on internal growth from players like Reaves and Gabe Vincent.
This conservative approach has not gone unnoticed, and some fans are questioning whether the Lakers are making the necessary moves to keep pace with their competition. While the team’s core of LeBron James and Anthony Davis remains formidable when healthy, both players are well into their 30s and have dealt with numerous injuries in recent seasons. The supporting cast around them, though talented, lacks the depth and consistency that many believe is necessary to compete at the highest level.
One of the most glaring areas of concern is the Lakers’ shooting, or lack thereof. In today’s NBA, where floor spacing and three-point shooting are paramount, the Lakers have consistently been one of the league’s worst shooting teams. Despite this, the front office did not make any significant moves to address this deficiency. Russell, Reaves, and Vincent are capable shooters, but none are elite marksmen, and the team lacks a true sharpshooter who can stretch the floor.
This is where the addition of Redick as a coach could be seen as a move to address the problem indirectly. The hope is that Redick’s influence will help improve the team’s shot selection and create better looks for the shooters they do have. However, relying on coaching to solve a roster issue is a gamble, and it remains to be seen whether the Lakers will be able to improve their perimeter offense without adding new personnel.
A Roster in Need of Upgrades
Another area of concern is the Lakers’ frontcourt depth. While Anthony Davis is one of the best defensive players in the league when healthy, his injury history is well-documented. The team’s front office made the decision to bring in Christian Wood, a versatile big man with offensive potential, but his recent knee surgery has raised concerns about his durability and ability to contribute immediately.
Beyond Davis and Wood, the Lakers’ frontcourt options are limited. Jaxson Hayes, who was signed in free agency, is a promising young player but is still relatively unproven at the NBA level. The Lakers’ reliance on Davis to stay healthy and play heavy minutes is a risk, especially considering his track record.
In the backcourt, the Lakers did make some moves, notably by bringing in Gabe Vincent, a key player for the Miami Heat during their 2023 Finals run. Vincent’s toughness, defensive intensity, and ability to hit timely shots will be valuable, but the question remains whether he can fill the void left by the team’s decision not to pursue more high-profile options at point guard.
D’Angelo Russell, who struggled in the postseason, was re-signed, but his role moving forward is uncertain. Despite flashes of brilliance, Russell has not consistently lived up to the expectations placed upon him, and his inconsistency remains a concern for a team with championship aspirations.
Expectations vs. Reality: Can the Lakers Contend?
For a team with the history and prestige of the Los Angeles Lakers, expectations are always high. When you have two superstars in LeBron James and Anthony Davis, anything short of a championship is seen as a failure. However, as the offseason draws to a close, it’s clear that the Lakers are taking a calculated gamble. By making changes to their coaching staff and banking on internal development, they are hoping to remain competitive without making sweeping changes to the roster.
Yet, in a conference where teams like the Nuggets, Suns, and Warriors have made significant improvements, standing still can feel like falling behind. Critics argue that the Lakers’ front office is risking too much by not being more aggressive in addressing the team’s weaknesses, particularly in shooting and frontcourt depth.
The upcoming season will reveal whether the Lakers’ faith in their current roster is justified. If players like Christian Wood and Austin Reaves can take the next step, and if J.J. Redick’s coaching can unlock new dimensions in the team’s offense, the Lakers could very well find themselves in the championship conversation once again. But if injuries mount and the roster’s limitations become too much to overcome, this quiet offseason may be remembered as a missed opportunity.
Ultimately, the success of the Lakers’ offseason strategy will be judged not by the moves they did or didn’t make, but by their performance on the court. And in the high-stakes world of the NBA, only one measure of success truly matters: winning.