The Lakers Incompetence Drives JJ Redick Crazy

The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, find themselves in an unusual position. Despite holding the third seed in the Western Conference, the vibes in LA have been anything but celebratory. While the team’s defense has drawn criticism throughout the season, a more pressing concern has emerged in recent weeks: their offense, particularly in organized sequences out of timeouts.

The Lakers’ recent games have highlighted a recurring issue—disorganization in executing set plays, especially those called by head coach JJ Redick. The result has been a string of possessions marred by confusion, poor spacing, and missed opportunities, even as the team’s overall record remains strong.

The Anatomy of a Disorganized Offense

JJ Redick, known for his basketball IQ and attention to detail, has been outspoken about the team’s lack of focus and execution. In a recent matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, Redick noted that the Lakers had failed to properly execute eight of the twelve after-timeout (ATO) plays he called—a worrying statistic for a team with championship aspirations.

Play Breakdown: Where Things Go Wrong

Let’s examine a few possessions that illustrate the Lakers’ offensive woes:

Marcus Smart brings the ball up, gets it to LeBron James on the wing, and clears out. The intended action is for Smart to set a screen for DeAndre Ayton, who’s waiting at the block. Instead, Smart clears out too early, leaving Ayton stranded and the play broken. The Lakers salvage the possession with an improvised pass to Jake LaRavia, who hits an open jumper, but the designed play never materializes.
On the next possession, Ayton is out of position near the three-point line. Both Smart and Luka Doncic have to direct him to the block, but by the time the play develops, Ayton’s screen is ineffective and the ball is thrown away.
Second quarter: The Lakers attempt an off-ball screen for Dalton Knecht. Knecht, unsure of his role, runs into the paint until Jackson Hayes calls him back up. With only ten seconds left, Smart tells Knecht to clear out, and the team again improvises, with Smart hitting a floater.
Timeout adjustments fail to translate onto the court. Hayes instructs Knecht to curl up instead of cutting into the paint, but on the next play, poor spacing leads to confusion. Vanderbilt and Hayes both set screens, leaving Knecht with nowhere to go, forcing another bailout pass—Smart lobs to Hayes for a basket.
Repeated miscommunication. JJ Redick is seen directing Vanderbilt to move, but both he and Ayton end up screening for Luka. Even Nick Smith Jr. is visibly frustrated, yelling at teammates as the play devolves into a Luka isolation.
Occasional flashes of proper execution. In another possession, Vanderbilt is in the corner and Ayton screens for Nick Smith Jr., creating space for Luka to draw a foul. These moments are the exception, not the rule.
Fourth quarter frustration. Upon checking in, Ayton fails to set a proper screen for Luka, who forces up a contested shot. Hayes immediately prepares to sub in for Ayton, signaling Redick’s dissatisfaction.

After the game, Redick spoke candidly about the team’s disorganization, noting that these issues have persisted over the past week and contributed to the team’s declining energy and morale.

The Impact on Team Chemistry and Morale

The Lakers’ struggles with offensive execution have broader implications. Disorganization breeds frustration—not just among coaches, but also players. When set plays break down, players are forced to improvise, often resulting in lower quality shots and missed opportunities. Over time, this can erode confidence and trust, both in the system and in each other.

LeBron James, the team’s leader and floor general, has been visibly frustrated during these sequences. His ability to create offense is legendary, but even he is limited when teammates are out of position or unsure of their roles. The same goes for veterans like Marcus Smart and newcomers like Dalton Knecht, who rely on clear instructions to maximize their impact.

The Lakers’ bench has also felt the effects. Jackson Hayes, for example, has taken on a vocal role, directing teammates and stepping in when breakdowns occur. While this speaks to his leadership, it also highlights the lack of cohesion and understanding among the group.

Coaching Challenges: JJ Redick’s Approach

JJ Redick’s transition from player to head coach has been closely watched. Known for his analytical mind and deep understanding of the game, Redick was expected to bring structure and discipline to the Lakers’ offense. However, the current struggles suggest that implementing a new system takes time, especially with a roster featuring a mix of veterans and young talent.

Redick’s frustration is evident, but his response has been measured. He continues to emphasize fundamentals, communication, and accountability, both in practice and during games. The challenge is not just tactical, but psychological—getting players to buy in and execute consistently, regardless of circumstance.

Redick’s willingness to call out mistakes publicly is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it signals a commitment to excellence and transparency. On the other, it risks alienating players who may feel singled out or discouraged. Striking the right balance will be crucial as the season progresses.

Roster Dynamics: The Mix of Experience and Youth

The Lakers’ roster is a blend of championship experience and emerging talent. LeBron James and Marcus Smart provide leadership and stability, while Ayton, Knecht, Hayes, and Smith Jr. represent the next generation. Integrating these pieces requires patience and adaptability.

LeBron James: At 39, LeBron remains one of the league’s premier playmakers. His basketball IQ is unmatched, but he relies on teammates to execute set plays and maintain spacing. When breakdowns occur, LeBron often improvises, but this is not a sustainable strategy over a long season.

Marcus Smart: Smart’s defensive prowess and leadership are invaluable, but he too has struggled with the team’s offensive confusion. His role as a secondary ball-handler and facilitator is compromised when teammates are out of sync.

DeAndre Ayton: Ayton’s integration into the Lakers has been rocky. His positioning and screen-setting have been inconsistent, leading to missed opportunities and frustration for both coaches and teammates.

Dalton Knecht and Nick Smith Jr.: As young players, Knecht and Smith Jr. are still learning the system. Their development is crucial for the Lakers’ long-term success, but they need clear guidance and defined roles to thrive.

Jackson Hayes: Hayes has emerged as a vocal leader, often directing traffic and correcting mistakes on the fly. His energy and effort are commendable, but they cannot compensate for systemic issues in execution.

Western Conference Context: Why the Lakers’ Struggles Matter

The Lakers’ offensive disorganization takes on greater significance given the competitiveness of the Western Conference. With teams like the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Dallas Mavericks all vying for top seeds, every possession matters.

The margin for error is slim, and the playoffs will demand precise execution under pressure. If the Lakers cannot resolve their issues, they risk falling short of their championship aspirations—regardless of individual talent.

Comparing the Lakers to Other Contenders

Other top teams in the West have faced similar challenges but found solutions through coaching, chemistry, and adaptability.

Denver Nuggets: Led by Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets run one of the league’s most efficient offenses. Coach Michael Malone emphasizes ball movement and spacing, and the team’s execution out of timeouts is consistently strong.
Oklahoma City Thunder: The Thunder’s young core, guided by coach Mark Daigneault, has developed a reputation for discipline and focus. Their set plays are crisp, and players understand their roles—a testament to effective coaching and player buy-in.
Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic’s brilliance often masks breakdowns, but coach Jason Kidd has worked to instill structure and accountability. The Mavericks’ ability to execute in crunch time has been a key factor in their success.

The Lakers, by contrast, have relied too often on individual talent to bail them out of broken plays. While this can work in the regular season, it is less reliable in the playoffs, where defenses tighten and mistakes are magnified.

The Path Forward: Solutions and Adjustments

Resolving the Lakers’ offensive issues will require a multi-faceted approach:

Improved Communication: Players must be clear on their roles and responsibilities, especially in set plays. Regular film sessions and on-court walkthroughs can reinforce understanding.
Simplified Playbook: Redick may need to streamline the playbook, focusing on a core set of actions that players can execute confidently. Complexity is often the enemy of consistency.
Leadership from Veterans: LeBron and Smart must continue to mentor younger teammates, setting the tone for preparation and execution.
Accountability: Mistakes must be addressed constructively, with an emphasis on learning and improvement rather than blame.
Incremental Progress: The Lakers should focus on small wins—executing one play correctly, maintaining spacing, making the extra pass. Over time, these habits will build confidence and cohesion.

Fan Perspective: Frustration and Hope

Lakers fans are known for their passion and high expectations. The recent struggles have led to frustration, but there remains hope that the team can resolve its issues and make a deep playoff run.

Social media and talk radio have been abuzz with analysis and debate. Some fans blame coaching, others point to roster construction, while many simply want to see better effort and execution on the court.

The Lakers’ history is filled with dramatic turnarounds and championship glory. The current team has the talent to compete at the highest level—the challenge is translating that talent into consistent performance.

Broader NBA Trends: The Importance of Structure

The Lakers’ struggles are not unique. Across the league, teams are grappling with the challenge of integrating new players, adapting to coaching changes, and maintaining focus in a long season.

The best teams combine talent with structure. They execute set plays, communicate effectively, and hold each other accountable. The Lakers’ current situation is a reminder that even the most gifted rosters require discipline and organization to succeed.

Conclusion: Navigating the Road Ahead

The Los Angeles Lakers are at a pivotal moment in their season. Their position in the standings is strong, but underlying issues threaten to derail their championship ambitions. Disorganization in the offense, particularly out of timeouts, has exposed weaknesses in communication, execution, and leadership.

JJ Redick faces the challenge of instilling discipline and clarity in a talented but inconsistent group. The players, led by LeBron James and Marcus Smart, must embrace their roles and commit to executing the system.

The Western Conference is unforgiving, and the playoffs will demand precision and resilience. The Lakers have the pieces to contend, but only if they address their offensive struggles and build the habits necessary for sustained success.

As the season continues, all eyes will be on Hollywood—not just for the star power, but for the substance and structure that define true contenders. The journey ahead will test the Lakers’ resolve, but with the right adjustments, they can turn disorganization into opportunity and reclaim their place among the NBA’s elite.