New Lakers consultant JJ Redick has reportedly been working behind the scenes to devise a brilliant strategy to elevate the play of D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura for the upcoming season. Redick, a basketball savant with a deep understanding of shooting mechanics and offensive schemes, is looking to maximize the impact of both Russell and Hachimura in the Lakers’ system. Here’s a breakdown of Redick’s plan to unlock their potential.

1. D’Angelo Russell: Reviving His Offensive Flow

D’Angelo Russell, known for his scoring and playmaking, had moments of brilliance last season but struggled with consistency, especially in the playoffs. JJ Redick’s plan to unlock Russell focuses on streamlining his role and getting the most out of his s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set.

Key Elements of Redick’s Plan for Russell:

• Off-Ball Movement: Redick has been an expert in moving without the ball, and his influence could help Russell thrive off-ball. By using Russell in more catch-and-shoot situations and running him off screens, Redick plans to lighten the burden on Russell as the primary ball handler. This would allow LeBron James and Austin Reaves to take on more playmaking duties, freeing up Russell to focus on scoring efficiently.
• Pick-and-Roll Mastery: Russell has excelled in pick-and-roll scenarios throughout his career, and Redick’s plan includes simplifying the offense to feature more of these actions. With Anthony Davis as the primary screener, Russell can use his mid-range game, floater, and three-point shot to dissect defenses. Redick is also encouraging Russell to be more decisive in these situations, taking advantage of mismatches and playing at a quicker tempo.
• Increased Three-Point Efficiency: Redick is also working with Russell on his shooting mechanics to boost his three-point efficiency. While Russell is a capable shooter, Redick believes he can become more consistent by refining his shot selection and focusing on catch-and-shoot opportunities, especially from the corners.

2. Rui Hachimura: Expanding His Role

Rui Hachimura made an immediate impact when he joined the Lakers last season, showcasing his scoring ability, rebounding, and versatility. However, Redick believes Hachimura has only scratched the surface of his potential. His plan involves transforming Hachimura into a more dynamic and well-rounded player.

Key Elements of Redick’s Plan for Hachimura:

• Stretch-4 Role: Redick’s vision for Hachimura involves utilizing him more as a stretch-4 to open up the floor for LeBron James and Anthony Davis. By expanding Hachimura’s three-point range, particularly in the corners and above the break, Redick hopes to create more spacing for the Lakers’ offense. Hachimura has shown flashes of reliable shooting, and with Redick’s guidance, he could become a more dependable threat from beyond the arc.
• Increased Defensive Focus: Redick also sees the potential for Hachimura to become a more impactful defender. While Hachimura’s size and athleticism have always been his strengths, Redick believes that with improved defensive awareness and positioning, he can guard multiple positions and become an elite switch defender. The plan is for Hachimura to work closely with the coaching staff to refine his footwork and lateral quickness, allowing him to stay in front of quicker players on the perimeter.
• Attacking in Transition: One of Hachimura’s underrated s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s is his ability to run the floor and finish in transition. Redick plans to encourage the Lakers to get out in transition more often, taking advantage of Hachimura’s speed and finishing ability. With LeBron’s exceptional court vision, Hachimura could become a go-to option in fast-break situations, leading to easy buckets.

3. How the Plan Fits into the Lakers’ System

Redick’s strategy to unlock D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura isn’t just about individual improvements—it’s about how they fit into the larger Lakers system.

• Complementing LeBron and AD: Redick’s plan ensures that both Russell and Hachimura play roles that complement the Lakers’ superstars. Russell’s ability to hit outside shots and run the pick-and-roll will take pressure off LeBron as the primary playmaker. Hachimura’s improvement as a stretch-4 and versatile defender will allow AD to play more minutes at the 5, creating a more fluid, dynamic Lakers lineup.
• Flexible Lineups: Redick is also pushing for more lineup flexibility, where Russell and Hachimura can excel in different combinations. Russell’s improved off-ball movement and shooting make him a better fit alongside players like Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent, while Hachimura’s newfound versatility on both ends of the floor will allow him to slot in seamlessly with small-ball or traditional lineups.
• Playoff-Ready Approach: Ultimately, Redick’s genius plan is built with the playoffs in mind. He’s focusing on making Russell and Hachimura reliable contributors in high-pressure situations, ensuring that the Lakers’ offense doesn’t stall in the postseason. By enhancing their s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 sets and refining their roles, Redick is positioning the Lakers to have a more balanced and multi-faceted attack when it matters most.

Conclusion: The JJ Redick Effect

JJ Redick’s expertise as a former sharpshooter and high-IQ player is already making an impact on the Lakers. His genius plan to unlock D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura is focused on maximizing their strengths, improving their weaknesses, and fitting them seamlessly into the Lakers’ larger system. If Redick’s strategies pay off, the Lakers could have two key players elevating their games and becoming crucial pieces in their quest for another championship.