The Los Angeles Lakers are at a critical point early in the NBA season, especially after a disappointing loss to the Detroit Pistons, a young and relatively inexperienced team.

This performance raised questions about the Lakers’ current rotation and spurred talk about potential changes.

JJ Redick, a respected NBA analyst, recently hinted that adjustments might be on the horizon.

And for anyone who’s been following the Lakers closely, it’s clear which player is likely under consideration: Cam Reddish.

With a series of early-season struggles, the Lakers may need a shake-up to regain momentum.

But is inserting Cam Reddish the answer?

Let’s break down the reasons why the Lakers might be looking for a change and how Reddish could fit into this picture.

Why a Rotation Change is Needed

The Lakers’ bench has been significantly underperforming, especially on the offensive end.

They currently rank last in the league, averaging only 18.9 bench points per game.

In terms of shooting, the bench is hitting only 43.1% from the field, placing them among the worst in the league.

Even more concerning is their three-point shooting percentage, standing at a mere 27.3%, which is the second-worst for any bench unit.

While their starters carry much of the load, the bench’s lack of offensive output is becoming a serious weakness.

On the bright side, the Lakers’ bench has shown flashes of strong defensive play.

Their defensive rating ranks sixth in the league, a vast improvement over their starting lineup, which ranks 29th.

This dichotomy suggests that while the bench is struggling to contribute offensively, they’re bringing more energy and focus to the defensive end.

However, with the limited offensive production, there’s a pressing need for a change in the rotation that could add both defense and potential offensive spark.

This is where Cam Reddish could step in.

The Case for Cam Reddish

Reddish’s strengths lie primarily on the defensive side of the ball. His size and athleticism allow him to be a versatile defender, capable of guarding multiple positions.

In the Lakers’ recent game, Reddish provided a much-needed defensive presence during a strong run in the third quarter.

Though he didn’t contribute much offensively, his impact on defense was clear.

The Lakers went on a 14-2 run with Reddish on the court, suggesting that his energy and effort on defense could disrupt the opposing team’s flow.

Redick noted that Reddish has “earned some trust” with his performance, though the coaching staff is likely to evaluate his role game-by-game.

While Reddish may not be a long-term solution, his potential defensive impact could help stabilize the Lakers in the short term, especially as they work to find more consistency in their rotations.

Comparing Reddish with Current Bench Options

Gabe Vincent and Max Christie, two primary players in the Lakers’ rotation, have struggled so far.

Christie is currently averaging just four points and two rebounds per game, while shooting under 30% from both the field and three-point range.

Vincent’s numbers are even more concerning, with under three points and one assist per game on 30% shooting from the field and a dismal 20% from beyond the arc.

While Reddish isn’t known for his offensive efficiency, his defensive prowess could be a better fit for the Lakers’ current needs.

Even if he doesn’t dramatically boost their offensive numbers, his presence could bolster the team’s overall defensive energy.

Given how Vincent and Christie have performed, it’s fair to say that Reddish may not have to do much offensively to be a noticeable upgrade.

Past Success and Consistency Issues

One concern with Reddish is his inconsistency.

Last season, he had a strong stretch between November and December, averaging 8.3 points, three rebounds, and nearly two steals per game while shooting over 41% from the field.

However, after this run, his production dipped significantly, and he ended up playing only 48 games due to injuries.

Inserting Reddish into the rotation, therefore, comes with its risks.

While he may give the Lakers a defensive spark for a short time, his history suggests he might not sustain this level of play.

His injury-prone background and tendency for streaky performances make him a somewhat unreliable option.

But in the short term, and given the struggles of Vincent and Christie, the Lakers may be willing to take the chance.

Cam Reddish’s Ideal Role

Reddish could excel in a limited role, surrounded by playmakers and scorers like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D’Angelo Russell.

When he isn’t asked to create offense or handle the ball, he can focus on playing a “3-and-D” role: hitting open corner threes and cutting to the basket when the opportunity arises.

Last season, Reddish shot a respectable 36.5% on corner threes, showing he has the potential to be a viable shooter from certain spots on the floor.

While Reddish may not consistently hit his shots, his defensive versatility allows him to guard positions one through three and occasionally even four.

His length and ability to create deflections and steals could provide the Lakers with the defensive spark they need, especially during critical stretches of the game.

The Potential Impact of a Reddish-Inspired Rotation Change

Adding Reddish alone might not solve all the Lakers’ problems, but it could be a step in the right direction.

His defensive energy might help mitigate the bench’s current struggles and give the Lakers more flexibility with their rotations.

It could also send a message to other bench players that performance matters, potentially motivating Vincent and Christie to elevate their games.

While some may argue for more drastic changes, the Lakers’ coaching staff should avoid making major moves just seven games into the season.

The current starting lineup went 23-10 last season, proving that they can perform at a high level.

The biggest concern right now is defensive effort and transition defense rather than half-court setups.

A focused, consistent commitment to getting back on defense could help address these issues without overhauling the lineup.

Looking Forward

In the coming weeks, it will be interesting to see if Redick and the Lakers coaching staff decide to keep Reddish in the rotation.

If his presence can lift the Lakers’ defensive play and bring a slight offensive spark, he might earn more minutes over time.

However, if Reddish struggles with inconsistency or injuries again, the Lakers may need to explore other options to address their depth and scoring issues off the bench.

As the season progresses, the Lakers will likely continue to evaluate the best lineup combinations and experiment with ways to improve the team’s balance.

For now, inserting Reddish may be the small but meaningful adjustment the Lakers need.

With more effort on transition defense and the addition of Reddish’s defensive intensity, the Lakers might be able to turn things around and start building a more competitive team.

Conclusion

While the addition of Cam Reddish to the rotation won’t solve every problem for the Lakers, it could be the boost they need to balance their roster’s defense and provide some stability.

Reddish offers defensive versatility and energy, two qualities the Lakers’ bench has been lacking.

His impact, though likely limited offensively, could bring a much-needed defensive spark to a team struggling in the early season.

If he can stay consistent and healthy, Reddish might just help the Lakers find the rhythm they’re looking for.