After years of coaching instability, the Los Angeles Lakers have finally found their leader in JJ Redick. Following a string of short-lived coaching tenures—including Mike Brown, Byron Scott, Luke Walton, and Darvin Ham—the Lakers have put their faith in Redick, and it’s paying off.
Their recent 106-102 victory over the Clippers is just one indication that Redick has reshaped the team’s identity. More than their 37-21 record or their fourth-place standing in the Western Conference, it’s their style of play and team culture that signals a true transformation.
Redick has instilled a defensive-minded approach that has turned the Lakers into the best defensive team in the NBA. Remarkably, they have held their last six opponents to 102 points or fewer, despite trading away two of their best defenders in the Luka Doncic deal.
LeBron James and the rest of the team have embraced Redick’s philosophy, with James stating, “It’s who we are at this point.” Much like how Sean McVay revitalized the Rams or Jim Harbaugh reshaped the Chargers, Redick has imprinted his personality onto the Lakers. The result? A team that thrives on hustle, discipline, and defensive intensity.
JJ Redick (NBA)Lakers Showcase Resilience and Depth Amid Injuries in Gritty Winning Stretch
The Lakers’ success under Redick hasn’t come without challenges. In their recent win over the Clippers, they were already without Rui Hachimura (knee injury) and lost Austin Reaves to a calf injury. Yet, they still managed to pull off a gritty victory, capping off a dominant 10-2 stretch in February.
Redick praised his team’s determination, calling it a “rock fight” and crediting their ability to adapt. Players like Gabe Vincent and Jordan Goodwin stepped up, with the bench contributing nine of the team’s 14 steals. The Lakers’ ability to sustain success despite injuries showcases their newfound resilience and depth.
Lakers Embrace Redick’s Gritty, Defensive Philosophy for Long-Term Success
Redick’s impact has solidified the Lakers’ identity, which had been uncertain since the post-Phil Jackson era. He acknowledged that building a collective mentality takes time, but the team’s commitment has been evident since mid-January. A key moment in their win over the Clippers wasn’t a highlight-reel dunk or three-pointer—it was Jarred Vanderbilt diving on the floor to secure a loose ball.
This gritty play encapsulates the essence of “JJ Redick basketball,” a philosophy built on defensive intensity and relentless effort. With this identity firmly in place, the Lakers are poised for sustained success.
