The Los Angeles Lakers, under first-year head coach JJ Redick, have encountered significant offensive challenges in the 2024 NBA season. Despite a roster featuring seasoned talents like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the team’s offensive efficiency has notably declined, prompting Redick to scrutinize and address the underlying issues.
Shot Selection and Offensive Efficiency
Redick has identified the Lakers’ shot selection as a primary factor contributing to their offensive struggles. He notes an increase in non-paint two-point attempts—mid-range shots—over the past 13 games, with the team shooting approximately 39% on these attempts. This shot profile is less efficient compared to league averages, adversely affecting overall offensive performance. Redick emphasizes that even if the Lakers improved their mid-range shooting to match the Phoenix Suns’ 49% efficiency, their offensive ranking would only marginally improve from 29th to 27th.
To enhance offensive output, Redick advocates for increasing three-point attempts. He points out that the Lakers rank near the bottom in three-point makes, attempts, and percentage over the same period. By reallocating some mid-range shots to three-point attempts and achieving league-average efficiency, the Lakers could potentially elevate their offensive ranking from 27th to 12th. Redick asserts, “We need to launch… We want to live in the paint. We want to shoot threes. We haven’t shot enough threes.”
Recent Performance and Team Dynamics
The Lakers’ offensive woes were starkly evident in a 134-93 loss to the Miami Heat, marking their sixth defeat in eight games. The Heat capitalized on the Lakers’ defensive lapses, tying a franchise record with 24 made three-pointers. Redick expressed frustration over the team’s inability to execute fundamental game plans and a perceived lack of unity, stating, “I’m embarrassed. We’re all embarrassed.”
LeBron James, approaching his 40th birthday, has shown signs of wear, with recent performances highlighting shooting slumps and reduced efficiency. In a 109-80 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, James scored only 10 points, missing all four of his three-point attempts, extending a streak of 19 consecutive missed threes over four games. This decline has sparked discussions about his workload and the possibility of rest to preserve his effectiveness throughout the season.
Strategic Adjustments and Future Outlook
Redick’s analysis underscores the importance of strategic shot selection in modern NBA offenses, where efficiency is often prioritized over volume. By reducing reliance on low-efficiency mid-range shots and increasing three-point attempts, the Lakers can align more closely with successful offensive models employed by other teams. Implementing these adjustments requires not only tactical changes but also a shift in player mentality and adherence to the revised game plan.
The Lakers’ current standing, with a 16-13 record placing them seventh in the Western Conference, reflects the competitive nature of the league and the slim margins separating teams. Redick acknowledges this reality, stating, “We’re last, or second to last, in the last 13 in our offense… In some ways, we need to shoot more threes and we need to make more threes.”
As the season progresses, the Lakers’ ability to adapt to Redick’s strategic recommendations will be crucial in determining their success. Embracing a more analytics-driven approach to shot selection, coupled with improved execution and cohesion, could revitalize their offense and enhance their competitiveness in the tightly contested Western Conference.
In conclusion, JJ Redick’s emphasis on refining the Lakers’ shot profile highlights a critical area for improvement. By increasing three-point attempts and reducing inefficient mid-range shots, the Lakers have the potential to significantly boost their offensive efficiency. However, the successful implementation of these changes will depend on the players’ commitment to adapting their playstyle and the coaching staff’s ability to effectively instill these strategic adjustments.
