Redick Identifies Turnovers as Lakers’ Biggest Offensive Obstacle
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LOS ANGELES — Head coach JJ Redick says the Los Angeles Lakers’ otherwise efficient offense will not reach elite status until the team stops giving the ball away at a league-worst rate.
Turnovers negating top-tier efficiency
Speaking after Thursday’s practice, Redick noted that the Lakers sit either first or second in several shot-quality categories, including field-goal percentage and points per shot. Despite that efficiency, the club ranks 12th in overall offensive rating.
The coach traced the gap directly to turnovers. According to league tracking data, Los Angeles is 29th in turnover percentage and averages 16.9 turnovers per game, a figure that places 26th among 30 NBA teams. Redick said merely reaching league-average levels would move the Lakers “from the middle of the pack to a top-four offense.”
All play types producing — except ball security
Redick added that the Lakers rate inside the top ten in efficiency on every major half-court action — pick-and-rolls, dribble handoffs, isolation plays and both on- and off-ball screens. “We’re turning it over too much, plain and simple,” he said.
Starting lineup still fluid
The first-year coach also indicated he is not locked into a specific starting five. While Los Angeles has begun the season strongly, defensive lapses by the opening unit have prompted questions about possible adjustments. Redick said he is “not beholden to any one group” and will continue to evaluate combinations.
The Lakers return to play later this week looking to pair their efficient shot creation with better ball security in hopes of climbing the offensive rankings.
Source: Lakers Nation
