The Los Angeles Lakers have finally found their leader in rookie coach J.J. Redick, marking the end of a revolving door in the coach’s office that saw names like Mike Brown, Mike D’Antoni, Byron Scott, Luke Walton, Frank Vogel, and Darvin Ham come and go. After years of instability, the Lakers have discovered a sense of identity and purpose under Redick’s leadership, and the results are beginning to show. With a 106-102 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night, the Lakers improved to 37-21 on the season, but this win was about more than just the numbers. It was about the culture Redick has cultivated and the newfound defensive prowess that has transformed the team into one of the most formidable units in the NBA.
The Lakers are currently sitting in fourth place in the Western Conference, but their sights are set on climbing higher, with a potential move into second place before the regular season ends. However, their success isn’t just about their standings but about how they’re playing. Under Redick, the team has embraced a hard-nosed, switch-heavy defensive style that has allowed them to hold their last six opponents to 102 or fewer points. This defensive turnaround is all the more impressive considering they parted ways with their two best defenders, Luka Doncic, in a trade. “That’s just us,” LeBron James said when asked about the team’s defensive identity. “I mean, it’s who we are at this point.” The Lakers’ defensive resurgence has been a key factor in their recent success, and it’s clear that Redick’s personality and coaching style have rubbed off on the team.
Redick’s impact on the Lakers has drawn comparisons to Sean McVay’s revitalization of the Los Angeles Rams and Jim Harbaugh’s influence on the San Diego Chargers. Almost 60 games into his first season, Redick has instilled a sense of clarity and direction in the team, something that has been missing in the post-Phil Jackson era. There was no guarantee that Redick would be the right fit for the Lakers, especially given his lack of coaching or management experience above the youth level. When he was hired, many doubted whether he could turn things around, especially with a roster that had struggled under previous coaches like Darvin Ham. Redick’s appointment was met with skepticism, and rightly so. He wasn’t the Lakers’ first choice—Dan Hurley was—but Redick has proven doubters wrong by introducing a gritty, no-nonsense style to a franchise historically associated with “Showtime” basketball.
“Defensively is where we hang our hat,” James said. “It’s going to give us a chance to win every night.” This mentality has become the cornerstone of the Lakers’ identity under Redick. The victory over the Clippers marked a four-day stretch in which the Lakers played three games, all of which they won. Despite missing key players like Rui Hachimura, who was sidelined with a knee issue, and Austin Reaves, who suffered a calf injury during the game, the Lakers showed resilience and determination. The win capped off a 10-2 month for the team, a testament to their growing confidence and cohesion. “It’s a tough game to play and to win,” Doncic said after the game. “I think we showed our character today.” The Lakers’ ability to win without Hachimura and Reaves, who could be out for a couple of weeks or longer, speaks volumes about their depth and determination.
The Lakers’ defense has been the driving force behind their success, and Friday’s game against the Clippers was no exception. They once again suffocated their opponents, with the bench contributing nine of the team’s 14 steals. Players like Gabe Vincent and Jordan Goodwin, who is on a two-way contract, made significant contributions, with Vincent tallying four steals and Goodwin adding three. The Lakers’ defense has been the best in the league over the last six weeks, and their ability to stick to the game plan has been a key factor in their success. Redick praised his players for their discipline and focus, particularly in their efforts to slow down stars like James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Harden, who finished with 18 points on 5-of-22 shooting, including just one three-pointer in 10 attempts, was a shadow of his usual self. “I like who we are as a team right now,” Redick said. And he’s not the only one.
Late in the third quarter, a play by Jarred Vanderbilt epitomized the new era of Lakers basketball. Vanderbilt poked the ball away from Harden and threw himself on the court to recover it, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd. It wasn’t a dunk by James or a three-pointer by Doncic that brought the fans to their feet—it was a gritty, hustling defensive play. This is the latest incarnation of Lakers basketball, and it’s a reflection of Redick’s influence. Under his leadership, the Lakers have developed a collective mentality and a clear identity, something that has been elusive in recent years. As the season progresses, it’s clear that J.J. Redick’s Lakers are here to stay, and their hard-nosed, defensive-minded approach will be a force to be reckoned with for the foreseeable future.
