The Los Angeles Lakers’ depth is a massive problem as the playoff approach, and head coach JJ Redick is already trending toward the exact fate fans saw last year. They sorely missed Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura in Monday’s loss to the Pistons. Instead of trusting other options, coach Redick shortened the rotation and made baffling decisions.
The Lakers played ten players in Detroit, if fans include the two minutes of Adou Thiero and the nine seconds from Maxi Kleber. Yes, Redick bought Kleber on for the final possession to screen for Luka Doncic in his first action since March 9. It was a baffling decision that further proves the head coach doesn’t trust several players in crucial moments.
Fans saw this last season when Redick played five players in the second half of Game 4 against the Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. The season was virtually on the line as LA didn’t want to go down 3-1. Redick never used Jarred Vanderbilt or Jaxson Hayes. He stuck with five players as the Lakers scored just 19 in the final quarter to lose by three. The problem is back and may be worse.
JJ Redick doesn’t trust the Lakers' depth, and it is getting worse
Rob Pelinka added a key piece by trading for Luke Kennard at the deadline. The move keeps looking better as the Lakers have won 12 of their last 14. LA upgrade in the offseason by getting Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, and Deandre Ayton to improve their depth. Still, Redick is struggling to trust the new pieces.
The Lakers have faith in Luka, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James. Smart will play significant minutes as a crucial defender, but he has to knock down open shots to stick on the floor in the playoffs. Rui Hachimura has earned his place, and LaRavia hasn't missed a game. Those might be the only players coach Redick fully trusts.
The Lakers' head coach hasn’t been shy about benching Deandre Ayton down the stretch in games or going away from Jaxson Hayes entirely. Kennard’s defense will be targeted, and it wouldn't be the first time he has been played off the floor in the playoffs. Vando's offense is a problem, and Redick is not turning to the young talent.
The Lakers can’t play six players throughout the playoffs and win a championship. JJ Redick knows this. He will need Ayton, Vanderbilt, Hayes, Kennard, and even Kleber to contribute.
It is the head coach's responsibility to pick his spots and make the right adjustments. That is impossible if you play five players for the entire second half. Trust is a crucial part of getting production from role players. It appears everyone is bought in. The Lakers must put them in positions to succeed when the games matter most. Coach Redick didn’t do that last season.
Hopefully, he learned his lesson. The Los Angeles Lakers look like a serious title threat as they play their best basketball down the stretch. A small crack showed in their loss to the Pistons. Coach Redick must turn that into a blip.
He has to trust his role players, even if they are flawed options. It is the Lakers' only chance to win it all. So far, it is a problem, and sadly, it keeps looking worse.