JJ Redick names Lakers opening night starting five

JJ Redick has began his first year as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers as training camp is underway. He recently revealed his starting five for the Oct. 22 season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center. D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura will join Anthony Davis and LeBron James in the starting lineup.

Speaking Zach Lowe on The Lowe Post, the first-time coach stated:

It’ll be the starting five that went 23-10 last year.

While the unit was the Lakers most used starting lineup in the regular season and found success, they did not play together until starting the 44th game of the season. They struggled in five postseason games, however, as the team was quickly eliminated from the postseason.

Los Angeles will be relying on Redick being an improvement over Darvin Ham, who lasted just two years in the role, after not making any major upgrades this offseason. Ham often faced criticism for his rotations and lack of adjustments during his brief tenure.

Check out JJ Redick’s comments on the Lakers starting five below (starting at the 54:55 mark):

JJ Redick shares expectations for D’Angelo Russell

D’Angelo Russell was mentioned in trade rumors throughout the offseason. The Los Angeles Lakers wound up retaining their starting point guard, who picked up his $18.7 million player option at the onset of free agency. JJ Redick shared that he is hoping to put the one-time All-Star in a position to have a career year.

Speaking at his press conference as training camp kicked off, the Lakers head coach stated:

Throughout the summer, he was probably the guy I talked to the most of anyone on the roster… He’s going to have a major role on this team. I think the thing that D’Lo and I have talked about a lot is just like, ‘Let’s put you in a position to have a career year.’ His mindset, his energy, the talk that he’s brought, the leadership that he’s brought when he’s been in the building has been excellent.

Russell averaged 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks per game last season while shooting 45.6% from the field, 41.5% from three-point range and 82.8% from the free-throw line. Despite the strong season, he faced criticism as his play took a significant step backwards in the postseason for a second consecutive year. Redick will look to get the most out of the veteran point guard.

JJ Redick on D'Angelo Russell: "He's going to have a major role on this team. I think the thing that DLo and I have talked about a lot is just, 'Let's put you in a position to have a career year.'" pic.twitter.com/83jAdI93Sg

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) September 25, 2024

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