Slovenia laid the foundation. The Los Angeles Lakers went across the pond to Eastern Europe to meet with Luka Doncic and come together as a unit. Multiple players came back from that trip to sing the praises of what it did for them. Now, JJ Redick can take things one step further with this group.
What should make that easier for him is a clearer pecking order to manage. At the Lakers' start of season press conference, Redick explained the major advantage this group has over either of the teams during his first two seasons as head coach in Los Angeles.
"We've always tried to give our players clearly defined roles. With this group, probably the first time in my three years here that I feel like the pieces actually fit together. Those roles probably get even more crystallized."
There have been a lot of moving parts over Redick's first two years in Los Angeles so it is understandable why he would feel as though his job is going to be easier this time around. The chemistry created in Slovenia is already growing. JJ just needs to push it over the top and turn this Lakers group into one that resembles a contender.
JJ Redick will be responsible for further developing the Lakers' chemistry
A hunger to overachieve exists among these Lakers. You have heard players like Ziaire Williams discussing as much. Redick quietly invited that thought at this press conference as well.
Redick was vocal about the fact that no one walks in on Sep. 29 for training camp as a championship-level team. The Lakers coach described it as an ongoing process throughout the year. It was one he had confidence in. JJ stated the Lakers would develop into that type of group.
Being able to look at a guy and tell them exactly what is expected out of them makes everyone's job just a little easier. Specifically with the Lakers, this should be pretty straightforward.
The Lakers know who their two figureheads are with Luka and Austin Reaves. They know Walker Kessler is their defensive leader and anchor. From there, it is all about setting expectations for the rest of the group.
Who slots in where on offense? What are the defensive responsibilities for the role players that support the Lakers' main trio? These are just some of the questions Redick will be asked to answer throughout the season. His statement from earlier exudes confidence in his ability to do that.
Redick has been a tremendous head coach for the Lakers in his first two campaigns. There should be very little doubt JJ is capable of getting the most out of the guys in front of him. He has a track record of it. In his eyes, that could mean pushing for a title by season's end.
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