Lakers’ Redick Backs LaRavia Amid Three-Point Slump
jj-redick-backs-laravia-amid-three-point-slump
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick says he remains fully confident in forward Jake LaRavia despite the 24-year-old’s recent shooting woes.
LaRavia has hit just 1 of 14 attempts from beyond the arc this month, a downturn that contrasts with his 35.1% career average and his current 31.6% mark since joining Los Angeles. Even so, Redick emphasized the forward’s overall contributions and predicted the shots will eventually fall.
“Since the All-Star break, he’s been exemplary in his role,” Redick said. “I told him after the Denver game and the one before it that he was awful. He responded the way he always does—he’s played great.”
Redick noted that LaRavia’s impact has extended beyond scoring. The fourth-year player has impressed the coaching staff with his rebounding, physicality and on-ball defense. “We have a lot of confidence when he gets open catch-and-shoot threes, when he plays in transition and off closeouts,” the coach added. “When he reaches double digits, it’s an added lift.”
LaRavia, who continues to crash the glass and create turnovers, said he appreciates the staff’s faith in him while he works through the slump. The Lakers have won four straight games, but Redick acknowledged that consistent scoring from at least two bench players would ease the load on the starters. Guard Luke Kennard has provided steady production, and the team hopes LaRavia can soon do the same.
Source: Lakers Nation
