Former NBA player JJ Redick, now the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, is gearing up for his coaching debut with a clear focus on strengthening the team’s frontcourt.
In a recent statement, Redick expressed his desire to bolster the Lakers’ lineup with a “big bruising five man” to enhance their competitiveness, especially in the Western Conference.
“I want that challenge. I’m not going to run from that challenge,” Redick said on SiriusXM NBA Radio, acknowledging the task ahead of him in shaping the Lakers into contenders.
Redick highlighted the importance of size and physicality in matchups against formidable Western Conference opponents like Denver, Minnesota, Oklahoma City, and Memphis.
“You certainly have to look at what I think is actually a very good roster, a very balanced roster. We tried, but we’d love at some point get another five man, a big bruising five man. You look at the Western Conference right now, whether it’s Denver, Minnesota, OKC what they added, certainly Memphis, they’re going to be back in the hunt, they added Zach Edey. In certain matchups in playoffs, you’re going to need lots of size,” he added.
During the offseason, the Lakers were actively pursuing Jonas Valanciunas to fill this role, but the Lithuanian center ultimately signed with the Washington Wizards.
