Ahead of the Lakers’ first game back since the All-Star break, Lakers head coach JJ Redick provided a crucial update on his team. After the Luka Doncic trade, which saw Anthony Davis head to the Mavericks, the situation is complicated in Los Angeles, and coach Redick says it’s still a work in progress.
“I think everybody’s doing well,” said Redick, via Spectrum. “We’re a little bit of a work in progress going forward because we’ve had a number of additions and two re-additions. So just trying to figure out what this new group is. I don’t think our standards change, I don’t think our way of going about what we’re trying to do changes. I thought yesterday’s practice was really good, a part of 16 All-star game practices. In terms of the energy, sharpness, and spirit, just excellent.”
LeBron James (40) was rumored to be out for the game but he decided to play and get some more run-time with Luka Doncic, who has been released from his minutes restriction. The young star is averaging 27.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game on 46.0% shooting this season.
The Lakers (32-20) have only played a few games with Luka, and the results have been mixed. Tonight’s matchup against the Hornets is their first one back since All-Star weekend and Redick said he plans to use a full 10-man rotation.
“We’re still trying to develop the ideal rotation. But again, as we’ve said all year, the ideal rotation might change night to night depending on the opponent… but a lot of guys will get their shot tonight.”
The initial shock of the trade has worn off now and finally, Luka is getting to a place where he’s more comfortable with the Lakers. Against the Hornets, Doncic will have the chance to take full control of the team and lead them to a win without any restrictions.
As Luka settles into his new surroundings, the Lakers will make it a point to feed him the ball more and allow him to run the offense in favor of LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Among other things, the players will have to learn how to move better off the ball and where to be for the best shot opportunities.
Regardless of what happens against the Hornets tonight, it’s a work in progress for Doncic and the Lakers and it will take time to develop chemistry.
As both sides get accustomed to each other, there will be some growing pains and things could get ugly. Already, in his first two games, Doncic is struggling as a Laker with 15.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game on 40.7% shooting.
Thankfully, the combined efforts of JJ Redick and LeBron James should make the transition as smooth as possible. In their eyes, not much has changed for the Lakers and their vision remains the same with Luka as it did with Anthony Davis.
Unfortunately, without a proper big man, the Lakers can only go so far. Against the Hornets and Mark Williams (the guy they tried to trade for), their lack of size could be completely exposed and it will require a cohesive team effort to secure the win.
The best that Redick and the Lakers can do is integrate the newcomers as quickly as they can so that they can put their star duo in a position to succeed.
Whether it takes a few more games or a few more months, the team will cater to Luka as he learns to find his place and role within the organization. After giving up so much to get him, it’s clear the Lakers see him as the next face of their franchise and he’s embracing all that comes with it.
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