JJ Redick Details Growth In Year 2 As Lakers Head Coach

Gabriel Arteaga
Gabriel Arteaga
7 Min Read

Originally published by LakersNation.com

When Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka decided to hire JJ Redick as the franchise’s next head coach, it came with some risks. Redick was receiving his first opportunity as a head coach with no previous coaching experience in the NBA, but his knowledge of basketball definitely stood out.

In his rookie season, Redick won 50 games and then improved in Year 2 with 53 wins. Injuries played a role this year and for Redick to keep the team together was certainly impressive. With plenty of hurdles overcome, the former 15-year veteran detailed ways he grew through two years as a head coach.

“I think I’ve grown in a lot of ways,” Redick said at his end-of-season press conference. “But I think it would be unfair for me to talk about that. You’d probably get a better answer St. Jean, J-Rob, Bo, Rob, my players who were here last year.

“I will say, the confidence level, particularly in-game, of being able to have clarity, I think that was a real area of growth this year. Believe it or not — even though it gets clipped out every time — I think my emotional control was better. I don’t think I made any snarky comments to you guys all season. Maybe one? And truthfully, this is why I love coaching. There’s always room for growth. I’m excited.

“I wish the offseason had ended on June 21, or whatever date the Finals is over, but I’m excited for another opportunity to grow this offseason and again prepare myself for another year of growth as a coach.”

The Lakers had been missing a culture and identity, which resulted in lackluster results the previous few years. Having a respected figure to lead the team is of utmost importance and Redick maintained buy-in from all rotation players despite constantly fluctuating circumstances.

While championships are expected every year, Los Angeles is taking the steps towards contention once again. Missing Luka Doncic for the entire postseason hurt, but there is now a realization of what is needed to further improve their roster.

Redick showed great improvement from a tactical perspective in his second playoff run, and now just needs better-suited two-way players to carry out those game plans. Hopefully, with a retooled roster, the Lakers can take another leap in improvement in Redick’s third year.

JJ Redick outlines defensive and offensive areas for Lakers to improve

When the Lakers faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, it was evident that L.A. was at a talent disadvantage. While they competed against the reigning champions, there were improvements needed on both sides of the floor.

Redick discussed the areas of improvement on offense and defense, which he hopes the team can address this summer.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

When Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka decided to hire JJ Redick as the franchise’s next head coach, it came with some risks. Redick was receiving his first opportunity as a head coach with no previous coaching experience in the NBA, but his knowledge of basketball definitely stood out.

In his rookie season, Redick won 50 games and then improved in Year 2 with 53 wins. Injuries played a role this year and for Redick to keep the team together was certainly impressive. With plenty of hurdles overcome, the former 15-year veteran detailed ways he grew through two years as a head coach.

“I think I’ve grown in a lot of ways,” Redick said at his end-of-season press conference. “But I think it would be unfair for me to talk about that. You’d probably get a better answer St. Jean, J-Rob, Bo, Rob, my players who were here last year.

“I will say, the confidence level, particularly in-game, of being able to have clarity, I think that was a real area of growth this year. Believe it or not — even though it gets clipped out every time — I think my emotional control was better. I don’t think I made any snarky comments to you guys all season. Maybe one? And truthfully, this is why I love coaching. There’s always room for growth. I’m excited.

“I wish the offseason had ended on June 21, or whatever date the Finals is over, but I’m excited for another opportunity to grow this offseason and again prepare myself for another year of growth as a coach.”

The Lakers had been missing a culture and identity, which resulted in lackluster results the previous few years. Having a respected figure to lead the team is of utmost importance and Redick maintained buy-in from all rotation players despite constantly fluctuating circumstances.

While championships are expected every year, Los Angeles is taking the steps towards contention once again. Missing Luka Doncic for the entire postseason hurt, but there is now a realization of what is needed to further improve their roster.

Redick showed great improvement from a tactical perspective in his second playoff run, and now just needs better-suited two-way players to carry out those game plans. Hopefully, with a retooled roster, the Lakers can take another leap in improvement in Redick’s third year.

JJ Redick outlines defensive and offensive areas for Lakers to improve

When the Lakers faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, it was evident that L.A. was at a talent disadvantage. While they competed against the reigning champions, there were improvements needed on both sides of the floor.

Redick discussed the areas of improvement on offense and defense, which he hopes the team can address this summer.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!