**Coach JJ Redick Reacts as Los Angeles Lakers Break the #1 Rule of Championship Contention**
Former NBA player and rising coaching star JJ Redick has gained a reputation for his sharp basketball insights, both as a media personality and now as a coach. Recently, Redick weighed in on a concerning issue with the Los Angeles Lakers, a team with championship aspirations but, according to Redick, already violating a crucial “rule” that could jeopardize their success: defensive effort.
The Lakers, with a roster that boasts a mix of veteran stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis alongside promising young talents, entered the 2024 season with high hopes. However, early-season performances have shown lapses on the defensive end, raising concerns among analysts and fans. Redick, in particular, was vocal about the team’s failure to maintain the level of defensive intensity needed to be a legitimate title contender.
### **Redick’s Breakdown of the #1 Rule**
In a recent media appearance, Redick emphasized that “defense wins championships,” a statement rooted in basketball fundamentals. While offense may generate the highlight reels, it is a well-known fact that solid defense often dictates the outcome of playoff games and ultimately championship runs. Redick expressed frustration that the Lakers, despite their talent and experience, were not prioritizing this aspect of the game in their early matchups.
He pointed to several key factors where the Lakers had failed defensively:
1. **Effort and Consistency**: Redick noted that the Lakers seemed to lack consistent defensive effort throughout games. While there were moments of brilliance, especially in clutch situations, the team often allowed opponents to go on extended runs, a result of lapses in focus or energy. This, he suggested, is inexcusable for a team aiming for a championship.
2. **Transition Defense**: Another area of concern for Redick was the Lakers’ poor transition defense. He explained that a team with their level of athleticism and length should not be giving up easy fast-break points, yet the Lakers were frequently slow to get back on defense, leading to uncontested layups or open three-pointers.
3. **Communication**: Redick also highlighted the importance of communication on defense, particularly for a team with new additions to the roster. He observed that miscommunications were leading to blown coverages and open shots for opponents. In his view, the Lakers’ lack of vocal leadership on defense was a major contributor to their struggles.
### **The LeBron and AD Factor**
While LeBron James and Anthony Davis are widely regarded as elite two-way players, Redick argued that their impact on the defensive end has diminished due to age and injury history. LeBron, now in his 21st NBA season, is no longer able to sustain peak defensive intensity for 48 minutes, while Davis, though a shot-blocking force, has been inconsistent in his effort when defending on the perimeter.
Redick pointed out that these two stars need more help from their supporting cast to anchor a championship-caliber defense. Players like Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura have shown flashes of defensive capability, but Redick suggested that they need to be more consistent to take pressure off their veteran leaders.
### **Can the Lakers Fix It?**
Despite his criticism, Redick was not completely pessimistic about the Lakers’ chances. He acknowledged that it’s still early in the season and that defensive cohesion often takes time to develop. He believes the Lakers have the potential to turn things around, but it will require a collective commitment to the “little things” on defense—effort, communication, and discipline.
Redick also warned that if the Lakers don’t address these issues soon, they risk falling behind in a highly competitive Western Conference. With teams like the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns boasting both offensive firepower and defensive discipline, the Lakers can’t afford to continue breaking the fundamental rule of championship basketball.
