Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick believes he has cracked the code for winning in the NBA, and it has nothing to do with advanced analytics or strategic playcalling. Instead, he says the “cheat code” to success is far simpler—playing hard every single night.
Following the Lakers’ 110-102 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Redick shared his perspective on what makes a team successful.
“I had this revelation like six weeks ago, two months ago. The math stuff, it’s important. It really is. You try to generate high value shots. You strategize around throw-aheads and what those create. All that stuff, it’s super important.”
“Gameplan defensively, it’s all important. Guys have to communicate, all that stuff.”
“There’s only actually one cheat code in the NBA and that’s playing hard. If you play hard every night, you have a chance to win. If you don’t play hard every night, you’re probably going to lose…You give yourself a chance to win every night if you play hard.”
Redick’s comments reflect an old-school mentality that often gets overlooked in today’s NBA, where teams obsess over analytics, shot selection, and lineup efficiency. While those things are valuable, effort and intensity remain the foundation of success.
After guiding the Lakers to a 33-21 record, Redick has impressed in his first season as an NBA head coach. His ability to adapt and evolve throughout the year has been a major factor in the Lakers’ strong performance, despite roster changes and the integration of Luka Doncic.
Redick’s emphasis on effort and energy has been evident in the way the Lakers have played since January. Early in the season, Los Angeles struggled with inconsistency, starting 13-12 and often looking disengaged against weaker opponents. But since then, the Lakers have flipped the switch, going 20-9 and securing key wins against playoff contenders.
One of the most notable improvements has been their pace of play. After initially trying to win by slowing the game down and focusing on defense, the Lakers have embraced a fast-paced, up-tempo style. In their last nine games, they rank seventh in pace and second in fast-break points per game, an approach that has energized both their offense and defense.
Redick’s philosophy has also sparked individual improvements. Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, and Rui Hachimura have all elevated their play in recent weeks, embracing their roles and bringing a new level of intensity to the floor.
As the Lakers continue their push for a top-four seed, Redick’s emphasis on playing hard every night will be crucial.
With LeBron James defying Father Time, Luka Doncic still finding his rhythm, and the team continuing to evolve, the Lakers are bound to encounter more challenges. However, if Redick’s so-called “cheat code” holds up, sheer effort might be the key to pushing them into legitimate title contention.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
