Since the start of training camp, Lakers head coach JJ Redick has been all about establishing a culture. The team’s motto was labeled as obsession. Redick has spoken about championship habits, even going so far as to place them on a board for all to see at practice.
Now with games underway, we’re seeing the fruits of that labor. With LeBron James out and Luka Dončić absent for half of the games, the Lakers have still won six of the eight contests they’ve participated in.
That’s happening because there
is a level of competition that is within every player on the roster, from budding superstar Austin Reaves to two-way player Nick Smith Jr.
For the first time in years, it feels like the Lakers are establishing a culture that dictates how they will play, regardless of who is on the court.
However, Redick, as a former player, understands better than most that his words mean nothing if the players don’t take action. He is there to guide, but the execution and commitment have to come from them.
“I’ve told the team this a number of times throughout the preseason and early in this season that the best teams are always going to be player-led,” Redick said after a road win in Portland. “So, those guys holding each other to that, that’s why I say those huddles, the communication on the court, all those small interactions, they’re really valuable.
“The guys are holding each other accountable to that and then, as a coaching staff, you have to get buy-in into that and our guys are bought in. We talk about as a group all the time [that] you can’t win in this league unless you play hard. It’s just impossible now and these guys have just been awesome the last seven games.”
Redick’s play hard and you’ll win sentiment was one he shared last year as well. The team’s recent victory over the Blazers, with none of their big three available, was both a cultural win and a proof of concept that if everyone is committed to giving their best, the Lakers will be a tough team to play, regardless of the names on the back of the jerseys.
Culture is everyone’s responsibility.
With examples like Deandre Ayton constantly communicating on defense and players stepping up when shorthanded to find ways to win, we are seeing encouraging signs that these Lakers are establishing it.
Great coaching is ideal, but the players matter more than anything. So far, they are taking Redick’s words to heart and leading the charge, having maximized their potential eight games into this new NBA season.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
