From the time the season began, JJ Redick had successfully transitioned to a new era in Los Angeles. Anthony Davis became the soul of the Lakers. Through those first 10 games, the destructive forward went nuclear. Furthermore, he was shooting 40% from three, a mark that has waned in the process. Still, after a drowsy stretch, AD did go back to his old ways tonight, punishing the Grizzlies in a much-needed win for the Purple and Gold.

Davis scored 40 points to go with his 16 rebounds in the six-point win over their arch-rivals. Despite Memphis’ attempts to throw a variety of bigs at him, that didn’t disturb the nine-time All-Star’s rhythm. He shot the ball at 68.2%, compiling most of it from the mid-range. And while happy with his performance, JJ Redick is still bothered. He wants the Lakers to shoot better from beyond the arc.

But until they can’t, Redick is giving Anthony Davis no alternative other than playing like an enforcer.

“The sort of funk from three-point land continues for us. And it feels like it’s been that way for a little. We probably have some good shooting games mixed in but you know we’re struggling right now from beyond the line. So if we can’t get layups and we’re taking mid-rangers, those motherfers better go in or we’re going to have trouble scoring,” Redick professed.

Over a stretch of 10 games, the Lakers are only shooting 30% from beyond the arc. Likewise, they have had erratic results over the same course owing to their inconsistent offense. None of the starters aside from Rui Hachimura has shot the three better than 35%. And while it didn’t deter them tonight, it’s a worry the Lakers need to deal with as soon as possible.

Anthony Davis remains the spark for the Los Angeles Lakers

An argument had begun when Davis wasn’t having the same success as he did to begin the season. Can the Brow sustain his MVP-caliber performances and keep the Lakers afloat? Thus far, Davis has done so more often than not. In the games he hasn’t, the Lakers have fond difficulties winning games.

With LeBron James experiencing a noticeable decline in his offense, the pressure on Davis being the anchor is higher than ever. In the 13 games that he has scored 30 or more points, the Purple and Gold have won 10. It doesn’t just show the impact, but also how thin the line is between the Lakers winning and losing games.

JJ Redick has aimed to create his schemes with Davis at the center. Only when that plan succeeds does the team have a good night. It’s a great thing for Anthony Davis. However, in a season as long as the NBA, the Lakers might urgently need to add some help around the dynamic forward.

Sustaining such form for an entire season is extremely taxing physically and mentally. Davis by no surprise doesn’t mind being the fulcrum no matter the cost it comes at. But with Redick’s plans yielding positive results, it might be wise for Pelinka to utilize draft capital and adorn the roster with more impact makers.

In recent weeks, the allure of Jonas Valanciunas being a trade target has been high. Such a move could immensely boost the Lakers with them gaining a productive backup center and great flexibility to experiment with lineups. Do you think the Lakers keep winning with the same roster or does change need to be prioritized? Let us know your views in the comments below.