JJ Redick and Rob Pelinka addressed some of the players on the Lakers like D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura while speaking to the media. With regards to Russell, Redick noted that he spoke the most with D’Lo compared to any other player on the roster, and wants to help maximize his role on the team in a new way.
“Throughout the summer, he was probably the guy that I talked to the most, of anyone on the roster. We had a number of conversations during free agency and throughout July and August. He’s going to have a major role on this team.”
“The thing that D’Lo and I have talked about a lot is just ‘Let’s put you in a position to have a career here’. His mindset, his energy, the talk that he’s brought, the leadership that he’s brought when he’s been in the building has been excellent. I’m thrilled to be coaching D-Lo this season. He’s in a great place right now.”
After the press junket was over, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka spoke about Austin Reaves and his development going forward with the Lakers. He praised Reaves for being a strong player who always strives to be better. Pelinka added that he expects a big leap from Reaves, and he could become a solid two-way player for the Lakers next season.
“Continuity was a big word for us with this roster. There hasn’t been a ton of roster turnover this offseason, so we’re going to lean into it and look for incremental, internal growth. Austin is at the epicenter of that. He’s just so talented, I think there’s still going to be a big delta and jump in how he plays, being more on-ball, and I think taking the challenge defensively.”
“We’ve had conversations this offseason, he’s been really, really good at using his chest and taking charges early in his career, and stopping people that way. I think he’s up for the challenge to be a two-way player and to be a lead at both ends.”
Redick showing his faith and support for D’Angelo Russell will be encouraging for the player. Russell has definitely struggled since joining the Lakers in 2023, especially in the playoffs. But if Redick is able to unlock his true potential and give him more confidence, Russell could once again reach his All-Star level as he did with the Nets.
As for Reaves, he has been a fan favorite for the Lakers since he joined as an undrafted rookie in 2021. Reaves has shown that he can be a reliable scorer for them, and be trusted to bring the ball up the court, something LeBron James rarely trusts his teammates to do. If he can improve defensively, the Lakers will be stronger for it.
JJ Redick High On Rui Hachimura
Coach Redick also was asked about Rui Hachimura’s performance at the Olympics with Japan and what role he might play next season. Redick pointed to Rui’s size and shooting ability, along with his stats from last season as to why he will be trusting Rui more often and demanding a bigger role from Hachimura next season.
“I thought Rui was fantastic… In terms of his role, I think that’s something that we will define with him and we will also be open-minded to that evolving… When he’s not posting up, not playing out of closeouts, or not screening, Rui is an excellent shooter. We want him shooting corner threes. So he’s already going to be in the sport to corner crash.”
“We’re going to try and ramp up his offensive rebounding. We’re going to ask a lot of him defensively, particularly with bigger wings. If you look at some of the advanced stuff from last season, when he gets the ball in the post against a mismatch, that’s a good option for us… He’ll have a big role, and we’re going to ask him to do a lot.”
The expectations placed on Hachimura, along with Russell and Reaves are quite high. These young stars will be crucial for the Lakers and their performance in the Western Conference. While LeBron James and Anthony Davis are without a doubt, two of the best players in the NBA, they have shown they cannot find success just by themselves.
The Lakers need their entire cast to perform at a high level to make some noise in the Western Conference. If JJ Redick can get the most out of his role players next season, the Lakers could definitely be a threat in the Western Conference, and make a real run and push for a high seed.
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