No matter how you feel about them, I think we can all agree: the Lakers looked different during their season opener. A completely revamped offense, new game plan, and an overall different approach compared to last season—despite having a very similar roster. The real difference came from their new head coach, JJ Redick, who introduced a fresh offensive system that gave the Lakers a new identity on the court.
One of the key changes was the variety in their offensive sets. The Lakers showed a lot more creativity and variation in their gameplay, which led to them looking like a completely different team—and possibly a much better one. While it’s still too early to make any sweeping claims, there’s no denying that certain players are likely to benefit from this new approach.
The most obvious player who will benefit is Anthony Davis. In my previous breakdown, I went over some of the sets they’ve been running under Redick and how Davis has been utilized differently. However, Davis isn’t the only one who stands to gain from this new system. Let’s break down which other players on the team might see improvement, and if anyone might be negatively affected.
Anthony Davis: The Offensive Hub
First up, Davis. As mentioned, Redick’s system is clearly designed with Davis at the center of the offense. In their season opener, Davis had a usage rate of 34.2%, the highest on the team and the highest of his career. The Lakers are running a lot more plays through Davis, especially in the high post, where he can initiate the offense. He’s also being used off the ball more creatively, with inverted screens and actions designed to get him open or draw attention away from him.
One example of this is a play where LeBron James and Davis set screens to free up Austin Reaves. This kind of off-ball movement creates space for Davis to attack, often leading to easy points around the rim. If Redick continues to emphasize Davis as the focal point of the offense, we can expect to see more of this in the future.
Rui Hachimura: Increased Role and Offensive Freedom
Next up is Rui Hachimura. Hachimura had 18 points and five rebounds in the opener, showing that he has a bigger role in the new system. He’s no longer just a catch-and-shoot player waiting in the corner—he’s being allowed to crash the offensive glass and take advantage of mismatches. Redick has given him more freedom to be an offensive rebounder, and he’s thriving in that role.
In one play, Hachimura took advantage of an unguarded angle to grab an offensive rebound for an easy putback. Last season, he might have been told to get back on defense in that situation. But now, he’s being encouraged to make those hustle plays. He’s also been given the green light to exploit mismatches in isolation, which he did when he bullied his way to the basket against Anthony Edwards for a powerful dunk on Rudy Gobert.
