JJ Redick’s second season as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers was unquestionably a success as he navigated the team through a ton of adversity to win 53 games, the most the franchise has won since 2010-11.
Redick did that despite his team having some clear and obvious flaws. At his annual end-of-season press conference, Redick discussed those flaws and the areas the Lakers need to be better in to compete next season.
“We clearly need to have a better overall season defensively,” Redick admitted. “I think we had flashes of that. I have said this numerous times, I think our improvement defensively is a big credit to our staff. Bob and Greg, and the work they did in film and in walk throughs.
“Playing 48 straight games without a two-day break and not being able to practice is insanity. And trying to get better in the midst of that is a real challenge. Both those guys did a great job, but we’ve got to be better defensively. Certainly can talk about personnel, but we’re going assess as a staff what we did well, what we did not do well, and figure out ways to be better there.”
In addition to improving defensively, Redick also feels this is room for growth on the offensive end.
“I think Luke [Kennard] is a great example. He’s a guy that can dribble, pass and shoot,” Redick said. “I think because of injuries, there were times we didn’t have enough of that. We’ve got to be better at being able to dribble, pass and shoot. I know that sounds simple, but that’s just the reality.”
Luckily for Redick, the Lakers have plenty of cap space and draft capital to improve their roster this offseason. Everyone knows it will take a lot to compete with the likes of the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, but the Lakers have a superstar in his prime in Luka Doncic and this will be their first real crack at building a roster around him.
JJ Redick knows Lakers need to make improvements
After the Lakers were eliminated in the second round, Redick bluntly stated that improvements need to be made to compete for a championship.
“I do think that if you’re trying to win a championship, and this organization is. I’m trying to win a championship. I know [Rob Pelinka] is trying to win a championship, I know Jeanie [Buss] is, I know Mark [Walter] is. We’re trying to win a championship. So you have to be realistic and assess where you’re at, and we’re not good enough right now.” Redick said.
“There probably will be some continuity; there probably won’t be. But that’s what the next two months are for.”
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