JJ Redick has found perfect balance for LeBron James and Lakers

JJ Redick has found the perfect balance for LeBron James and the Lakers https://t.co/lgpcoxPdLo

— LakerTom (@LakerTom) November 19, 2024

A sustainably great season could be underway.

James has been nothing short of brilliant in 2024-25, stuffing the stat sheet and shooting the lights out. Roughly a month shy of turning 40, there are few who would argue against his inclusion on a far-too-early All-NBA team.

One of the primary reasons he and the Lakers have been mutually successful has been the unavoidable fact that Redick has cracked the code—thus far, at least.

Through 13 games, the Lakers are 9-4 and James is flirting with averaging a triple-double. He set a new personal best for consecutive games with at least 10, 10, and 10, and has already produced three different 30-point outings.

James’ quality of play can’t be praised enough, but far too little is being said about how brilliant Redick’s approach to his utilization has been.

JJ Redick proving less can be more from LeBron James in regular season

James is currently averaging 23.3 points, 9.2 assists, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.4 three-point field goals made on .514/.431/.758 shooting. A vast majority of players will never come close to hitting any of those marks, let alone posting them simultaneously.

One of the biggest takeaways from the way the Lakers are currently using James can be found in that first number—James’ lowest scoring average since his rookie season in 2003-04.

The reason for that startling fact is simple: James is averaging career-low 16.6 field goal attempts per game. For those who haven’t been watching, it’s likely baffling that Redick would have him attempting fewer shots when he’s converting at clips of 51.4 percent from the field and 43.1 percent from beyond the arc.

James has been playing as a part of the system rather than as the heart of it, however, which has made way for him to truly take over when the team needs him most—all without expending too much energy.