When the news around the Lakers hiring JJ Redick first emerged, a cloud of doubt loomed over their decision. And why not? Not many former NBA players turn to coaching and Redick also had a past as an analyst. However, being a basketball “sicko”, NBA players around the league knew of his high intellect and obsessions with X’s and O’s. Yet, the directness and ability to manage tension made Paul George a firm-believer in JJ Redick.

George had conversed with Redick when he was a broadcaster during the last postseason, about his job with the Purple and Gold. PG13 simply wished him luck for the time he would take the helm at the Lakers. However, he also realized Redick’s innate ability to make the Lakers successful in the future.

“He is very good at confrontations and you need a strong coach that’s built for confrontation,” the now Sixers forward revealed. Apart from their conversation, he could recall his short stint on ESPN. Even though a rookie, JJ Redick went “toe to toe” with Stephen A. Smith. Whether it meant rebutting the famous analyst’s thoughts or engaging in a pressing debate, Redick prevailed with flying colors.

“But you know, just the conversation we had I was bodying with his basketball knowledge and just the way he analyses the games on TV. From him going toe to toe with Stephen A. on certain topics and saying listen, you guys haven’t done this… So he’s been very impressive and I think he’s going to make for a great coach with the Lakers,” Paul George concluded on Podcast P.

It’s been six games so far, and the Lakers have a 4-2 record. He broke their opening night jinx and their offense is averaging the most points since LeBron James and Anthony Davis came together. Furthermore, there are other ways he has begun to show great improvements with the Lakers.

JJ Redick is awaiting one piece to truly unlock the Lakers

Through heated debates, even Stephen A. Smith knew Redick had the bravado to take on a job such as the Lakers. “Anyone who knows anything about you knows that you have that coaching itch. Wishing you nothing but the best,” he wrote in his tweet. And it was almost instantly on the show.

On opening night they took down a healthy Minnesota Timberwolves, a team considered contenders. Their offense has become motion-heavy. Moreover, he has done something no previous coach could. Redick has passed the keys on to Anthony Davis and allowed James to play a supportive role.

That has amounted to the Brow currently leading the league in scoring and being an early MVP favorite. The only area the Lakers have lacked is defense. JJ Redick wants to instill pace in the Lakers. However, in doing that, there have been some defensive inconsistencies. The Lakers have a 117.8 defensive rating in these first few games. But this is without an energizer that the head coach believes is necessary for championship teams.

JJ Redick is desperately awaiting Jared Vanderbilt’s return. “He can sort of … I call them energy shifters. He can change the energy of an entire game, and he doesn’t have to do it with scoring, which makes him really unique. I can’t wait to coach him,” he told Mike Trudell.

Playing as a hound, in his short stint with the Lakers, Vanderbilt has become a fan favorite. His defensive activity remains high and can set them to make vital plays as a stopper, which gives the defense time to settle once they have to transition. So far, Redick has given the Laker Nation every reason to believe in him.

His aim too aligns with the legacy of the Purple and Gold. He wants to hang banners and is taking bold steps to ensure the same.