The Los Angeles Lakers are set to undergo a significant shift in their offensive strategy under new head coach JJ Redick. Redick plans to center the team’s scoring efforts around Anthony Davis, moving away from relying on 39-year-old LeBron James.
In a recent interview, Redick emphasized his vision for utilizing Davis as the primary offensive hub. This change aims to leverage Davis’s ability to create mismatches and facilitate scoring opportunities, both for himself and his teammates.
“Offensively, I think he’s a star,” Redick raved. “I want to use him as a hub – something him and I talked about. Someone who can obviously attack one on one, can create mismatches, but also someone that can get assists off dribble handoffs, that can get assists out of cuts.
“So, we’re going to attempt to use him a lot as a hub on the offensive end,” Redick concluded.
he is here to stay. pic.twitter.com/tPtR0ly1wr
— ²³ (@SpeakContext) June 24, 2024
Last season, the Lakers finished with a 47-35 record under former head coach Darvin Ham. Despite their respectable points-per-game average, which ranked sixth in the league, their overall offensive rating was a middling 15th.
Davis, known for his scoring prowess, averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game last season. Although his jump shot has been inconsistent in recent years, his ability to score in various ways remains a key asset for the team.
Redick’s approach signals a strategic pivot that could redefine the Lakers’ offensive identity, focusing on maximizing Davis’s strengths to drive the team’s success in the upcoming season.