Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick looks like he was the correct choice to lead the storied franchise back to relevancy as he has the team playing its best basketball of the 2024-25 season.
Redick was brought in because of his basketball acumen and ability to communicate with players, but even the most optimistic person has to admit that he’s exceeded expectations. Redick has installed a modern offense and even has the Lakers playing like one of the stingiest defensive groups in the NBA.
Lakers governor Jeanie Buss took a gamble when she green-lit Redick’s hiring, but she has to be pleased with the results so far. While Buss has taken some criticism for how the team has operated in years past, she has stayed the course and continued to trust her gut as the franchise’s stewardess.
Prior to Los Angeles’ game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Redick discussed the support he’s gotten from Buss and what it’s meant to him.
“Incredible support, to be honest with you,” Redick said. “There have been a few scenarios where I’ve gone to her for things. Sometimes for console and sometimes for action, and she has responded well every time. I think just going through what we just went through with the Luka trade, that requires a lot because AD, in particular, was just such a vital piece of this franchise and helped the Lakers win a championship back in 2020.
“So she’s been awesome and the biggest thing is Rob, myself, Jeanie, in the interview process and in the very early days this past summer, it was all about creating alignment and cohesiveness between those three people and we’ve done that.”
Buss has been lauded for her natural affinity for people and it shows as she’s done a good job in helping Luka Doncic and his family transition seamlessly to Los Angeles.
Redick comes off as a confident and organized person, but even people like him will need support from time to time. Fortunately, it sounds like Buss has been there for him which bodes well for their relationship moving forward.
JJ Redick and LeBron James discuss what Dorian Finney-Smith has brought to Lakers
Luka Doncic isn’t the only former Dallas Mavericks player the Lakers added as they also swung a deal for Dorian Finney-Smith. While Finney-Smith may not be much of an offensive threat, both LeBron James and JJ Redick praised him for his knack for making winning plays and bringing toughness and physicality to the team.
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