Following the dismissal of Darvin Ham as head coach, the Los Angeles Lakers have hired JJ Redick as their new coach. A comprehensive evaluation of the team’s future ensued after the Denver Nuggets swept the Lakers in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
According to Shams Charania, Sam Amick, and Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Redick discussed his approach to managing the current roster during an “impressive” visit with the Lakers, including a plan to leverage Anthony Davis more as a ball handler.
“Redick described a system molded around this roster, focusing on elevating Anthony Davis’ involvement, particularly late in games, and alleviating the constant ballhandling duties on James by utilizing him more off the ball,” Charania, Amick, and Buha wrote. “Keeping James, who turns 40 in December, fresh down the stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs will be critical.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers believe there is still time for another title run, considering their goal of winning another title next year. However, their early exit from last season highlighted the need for significant adjustments.
Redick signed a four-year deal with the Lakers on Thursday. He took over after Ham was fired, becoming the fifth head coach in NBA history without prior coaching experience. Redick is eager to leverage his extensive basketball IQ, honed during his media career since retiring in 2021, to lead one of the league’s most storied franchises.
Considering Davis and James’ perspectives, Ham’s departure was decided after several evaluations. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic on The Rich Eisen Show earlier this season, Davis’s opinion significantly influenced the decision to let Ham go. “When they chose to fire Darvin Ham, I was told that one of the many, many considerations was that it was pretty evident that AD was not on board anymore with Darvin,” Amick reported.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Despite maintaining a winning record and leading the Lakers to the playoffs in both seasons, Ham faced criticism for his lineup choices and rotations. The competitive nature of the Western Conference and the early season struggles highlighted the need for a new direction. Davis, seen as the future cornerstone of the franchise, is expected to play a vital role in shaping the team’s strategy under Redick’s leadership.
Redick’s appointment signals a fresh start for the Lakers, who prepare for the upcoming season with renewed ambitions and a clear plan to maximize the potential of their star players.
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