JJ Redick LOVES how Lakers are Playing Following Win vs Pelicans! | Lakers Postgame
In the NBA, games are often defined by moments—critical possessions, defensive stands, and the ability of stars to rise when the stakes are highest. For the Los Angeles Lakers, a recent victory showcased the team’s ability to execute adjustments, rely on top-end talent, and demonstrate the kind of synergy that championship teams require. Head coach JJ Redick’s postgame reflections offered a window into the strategies and personalities driving the Lakers’ resurgence, from defensive tweaks to the evolving partnership between LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
This feature explores the Lakers’ fourth-quarter defense, the tactical and psychological elements of their recent win, and the broader implications for their season.
I. Defensive Adjustments: The Fourth-Quarter Formula
A. Recognizing Patterns and Making Changes
The Lakers’ defensive performance in the fourth quarter was a masterclass in situational adjustment. Redick explained, “We did a really good job executing in the fourth quarter. We made a couple of adjustments in terms of some off-ball stuff and then we went to 15—really just wanted one through five, bodies in front. They had hurt us on the glass earlier, and it felt like the right defense at the time.”
The switch to a more versatile defensive scheme allowed the Lakers to counter the opponent’s rebounding advantage and disrupt their offensive rhythm. Redick’s willingness to adapt, rather than persist with a static game plan, was vital.
B. The Importance of Execution and Energy
Redick emphasized that, despite shooting just 3-for-17 in the first half, the Lakers were playing well enough and hard enough to be ahead at halftime. “There were three or four plays that were just kind of wonky—someone didn’t do the coverage correctly, which is our base coverage, and Trey Murphy gets a back cut. There were other plays where someone went brain dead for five seconds, but we kept playing hard and kept together.”
The ability to maintain effort and focus, even when shots aren’t falling, is a hallmark of elite teams. The Lakers’ resilience in the face of adversity was a key factor in their eventual victory.
C. The Value of “Swing Plays”
Basketball is often described as a game of runs, but Redick noted that certain plays can swing momentum: “Dalton’s charge, Luka’s charge, Bow and Wex did a great job with challenges tonight—saved us potentially six points with the Trey Murphy three and the Derek Queen charge. Those guys did a great job. In the first half, those plays went against us; in the second half, they went in our favor.”
While not as dramatic as football’s game-changing moments, these defensive plays can shift the trajectory of a contest, especially when executed in high-leverage situations.
II. LeBron James: Leadership, Adaptability, and Greatness
A. A Vintage Performance
LeBron James continues to defy time, delivering a complete performance and taking over at the start of the fourth quarter. Redick was effusive: “He was awesome tonight. Took over to start the fourth and got us the lead back. I love what’s happening right now with Luka and LeBron and that partnership—whether it’s pick-and-roll with each other or running stack against their blitz.”
LeBron’s ability to read the game, communicate with teammates, and execute under pressure remains unparalleled. His partnership with Luka Doncic is developing into one of the league’s most intriguing duos.
B. Coaching a Legend: The “Catcher’s Perspective”
Redick likened his role to that of a veteran catcher working with a Hall-of-Fame pitcher:
“He’s Craig Maddox at the end of his career. Every night he doesn’t have his best stuff, but he has enough to win. I’m his catcher, figuring out how to call the pitches. Sometimes he tells me to f-off and calls his own pitch, which is fine. It’s really just that ongoing dialogue—what’s the best way to utilize him tonight based on the opponent, coverage, and how he’s moving.”
This dynamic, flexible approach is essential when coaching a player with LeBron’s experience and intelligence. Redick’s willingness to adjust and communicate openly allows LeBron to maximize his impact, even as he manages the physical demands of a long career.
C. The Reality of Age and Maintenance
LeBron’s journey this season has not been without challenges. Sciatica limited his offseason preparation, and he missed training camp, preseason, and the first 14 games of the year. Redick admitted that there was never any recalculation of expectations: “I know LeBron, I know how much he puts into this. It’s just recognizing game to game what he has.”
What LeBron is doing at 41 years old is a different form of greatness—a blend of experience, skill, and strategic management.
III. Luka Doncic: Creativity, Accountability, and Star Power
A. The Shot-Maker’s Mentality
Luka Doncic’s performance was emblematic of his unique skill set. In the closing moments, he lost the ball, gathered it, and hit a contested three over multiple defenders, including a teammate. Redick described the moment: “As soon as he shot it, I knew it was going in. He said, ‘Yes, so did I.’ He just can’t make a normal shot right now.”
Doncic’s confidence and creativity are matched by his self-critical nature. Redick highlighted Luka’s accountability: “He’s always hard on himself. If he had 30 and 10 tonight and shot 50% from the field, he’d still feel like he could have played better. That’s just how he’s wired.”
B. The Synergy with LeBron
The partnership between Luka and LeBron is growing, both on and off the court. Their ability to communicate, adjust plays in real time, and anticipate each other’s movements adds a new dimension to the Lakers’ offense. Whether running pick-and-rolls, orchestrating back cuts, or sharing playmaking duties, their synergy is becoming a key asset.
IV. Star Power and Adaptability: Raising the Lakers’ Ceiling
A. The Value of Top-End Talent
Redick was clear about what it takes to win in the NBA: “It takes a lot to win in the regular season. It takes even more to win in the playoffs and a championship. The thing that starts with is top-end talent, and we have that. Those three guys—LeBron, Luka, and eventually Austin—are stars.”
The ability to deploy stars in multiple roles, whether on-ball, off-ball, as screeners, or in isolation, gives the Lakers the flexibility to adapt to different opponents and situations.
B. Embracing Versatility
Redick praised his stars for embracing versatility: “Them being open to playing in a myriad of ways has been really good for us. They naturally want the ball in their hands, but being willing to play off-ball or as screeners has raised our ceiling.”
This adaptability is critical, especially in the playoffs, where matchups and schemes change from game to game.
V. The Role of Coaching: Dialogue, Trust, and Strategy
A. Ongoing Communication
Redick’s approach to coaching is rooted in dialogue and trust. Whether discussing shot selection with LeBron or playmaking responsibilities with Luka, the ongoing conversations ensure that the team’s stars are empowered and engaged.
B. Tactical Adjustments
The ability to make real-time tactical adjustments—switching defensive schemes, calling plays based on player feedback, or leveraging challenges to swing momentum—is a testament to Redick’s strategic acumen.
C. Managing Personalities
Coaching a roster with multiple stars requires balancing egos, managing expectations, and fostering a culture of accountability. Redick’s openness and willingness to listen have helped build trust and cohesion.
VI. The Big Picture: Lakers’ Championship Aspirations
A. The Importance of Fourth-Quarter Execution
The Lakers’ fourth-quarter defense and execution are indicative of a team preparing for postseason battles. The ability to lock in, communicate, and make winning plays under pressure will be essential as the playoffs approach.
B. The Evolution of Star Partnerships
The growing synergy between LeBron and Luka, combined with the eventual return of Austin, gives the Lakers a trio of playmakers capable of carrying the team through the toughest stretches of the season.
C. Depth, Redundancy, and Balance
Redick acknowledged that redundancy can scare some observers, but having multiple dynamic players who can create, score, and defend raises the team’s ceiling. The key is balancing roles and ensuring that everyone is willing to adapt for the greater good.
VII. Conclusion: Lakers Poised for a Deep Run
The Los Angeles Lakers have shown that championship teams are built on adaptability, communication, and star power. Their recent victory, defined by fourth-quarter defense and the evolving partnership between LeBron James and Luka Doncic, signals a team finding its identity at the right time.
As the season progresses, the Lakers’ ability to execute under pressure, adjust tactically, and leverage the talents of their stars will determine their fate. With Redick’s leadership and the willingness of LeBron, Luka, and Austin to embrace new roles, the Lakers are poised for a deep playoff run.
The journey is far from over, but the signs are promising. The Lakers’ blend of experience, creativity, and resilience is creating a blueprint for success—one fourth quarter at a time.
