If the season were to be divided into two parts, the Los Angeles Lakers would be vastly different versions of themselves. In the first half, their offense seemed seamless but defensively, it was easy to score on them. Over the last five games, tenacious defense has become their identity, allowing the 9th least points over the last ten games. But then again, the offense has been underwhelming. Luckily, JJ Redick seems to have mapped out a plan.

Reporters were curious to know what the ‘sicko’ had in mind when it comes to finding a sweet balance between the two ends. As far as defense goes, he feels through coordination and planning, it can continue getting better. “It’s something that you know you feel like you can always improve and there’s adjustments game to game, adjustments in-game. And you’re trying to figure out for your group how do we get stops,” JJ Redick explained.

He does see it similarly on the offense. The onus lies on the schemes that allow to “generate the best shots”. However, with typical Redick math, the rookie head coach has pinpointed just what needs to improve.

“We’re taking five more non-paint twos. We’re shooting 39% of those… Those five extra non-paint twos, if we shot those at the same rate as Phoenix who shoots 49%, our offense would go from 29th to 27th If we took those five middys and shot league average from threes, our offense would go from 27th to 20th,” he worked out the math.

Hence, the policy has been set. Even though LeBron James thinks the NBA takes too many threes, Redick is expecting exactly that from the Lakers. But he doesn’t want to force the issue but rather create more opportunities for better looks.

Where do the Lakers and JJ Redick find the fix?

There’s been more than just threes that’s a glaring problem for the Lakers. Currently, the team ranks 26th in three-point percentage over the last 10 games. While it’s a huge issue, the bigger repair to make is to have the right combinations on the floor. How often have you heard a team gets worse when LeBron James is on the floor? Well, currently, he ranks last for the Purple and Gold, with the team being -4.1 with him on the floor.

Take him out, and the team outscored their rivals by 1.1 points on average. Prior to taking his break, James’ defensive struggles could be alluded to the number. Because since making his return, over the last five games he has boasted a 97.3 defensive rating. Likewise, the Lakers are +7.7 in this stretch.

Assuming he can maintain his defensive intensity or even stay close, the key to improving their volume and efficiency on threes is to have credible shooters around James and Davis. Recently, the advent of Max Christie could have done that, but he is deployed more for defensive purposes. Increasing his involvement in the offense could be one of the ways. Additionally, Dalton Knecht’s time on the floor has significantly decreased with just two games of playing over 15 minutes through five games.

Aside from organization, there is a need to construct an offense around these shooting names. Then the most obvious way to improve efficiency is by getting active in the trade market. Several names have been linked to the prestigious club. Bringing in a few perimeter threats or a 3-and-D stalwart could dramatically improve the Lakers.

If not for these, how do you think JJ Redick can achieve his plans for the Lakers’ offense? Let us know your views in the comments below.