Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick understands sports psychology. He knows that if his young Lakers team is going to contend in 2026-27, the players must first believe that they are championship-worthy. This isn't a problem for a guy like Luka Doncic, who's been to an NBA Finals. But some of LA's other, younger pieces might need a confidence boost from time to time, and Redick sounds prepared to give it.
In fact, JJ is already giving it. Per The Athletic's Sam Amick, Redick said the following about his wings during preseason: “I really believe in our wing group. I believe in their defense. I believe in their ability to make open 3s. (But) you don’t become a championship team (in late September). You have to become one throughout the season.”
JJ Redick is speaking the Lakers' confidence into existence
There are plenty of questions surrounding LA's wing group. Can Quentin Grimes be the primary defender that the Lakers need him to be? Can Matisse Thybulle knock down 3s at a high enough percentage? Will Cameron Carr be ready to contribute in Year 1? Will Ziaire Williams maintain his defensive intensity through 82 games? Will Adou Thiero develop a jump shot at some point?
So many unanswered questions ... and yet Redick is instilling confidence in this group through public proclamations nonetheless. In actuality, Redick is probably saying these things due to the fact that there are a lot of unknowns. Fake it 'til you make it. Speak it into existence. That sort of thing.
It wouldn't be the first time that Redick has used the media as a launchpad for his psychological objectives. He's already said that his team can contend in 2026-27, even though a more prudent observation of the Lakers will tell you that they're still probably a year away.
But it's not like Redick doesn't have the results to back up his claims. He's reached the postseason in each of his first two seasons at the helm in LA, and last year, he achieved an impressive feat by beating the Houston Rockets in the first round without Doncic (and without Austin Reaves for all but one game). If Redick's talking about confidence, he's probably doing so because he has a lot of confidence in his ability to lead a group of NBA players, even just two seasons into the profession of doing so.
Young Lakers can develop confidence by defending like madmen
There's no doubt the Lakers will be able to score with the best of 'em this season. Everything in terms of their floor and ceiling will come down to the defensive end, and that's also where Redick's young wings can build their confidence. Williams, Carr, and Thiero will have to bring maximum effort defensively whenever they step on the floor for the Lakers. If they're missing shots, they can't let that impact their effort.
Redick's remarks about champions being built over the course of the season are especially pertinent here. These Lakers won't be a "finished product" until much later in the campaign. Whether or not that finished product will be able to take down an OKC or a San Antonio in a series is another matter entirely. But Redick is intent on convincing his guys that it's very possible.
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