Fans React to the Lakers' Loss Against the Short-Handed Sixers Team 3 Lakers head coach JJ Redick speaks to the media before his team’s game against the Spurs at Crypto.com Arena. Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Lakers News: JJ Redick Issues 1 Challenge to Team After Huge Anthony Davis Trade

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics
By Christian Alamodin | Last updated Feb 5, 2025 8:06 AM ET

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick may have an interesting situation in his hands. Rob Pelinka pulled off one of the most incredible trades in NBA history, turning a solid—but aging—big man in Anthony Davis and Max Christie for Luka Doncic.

Despite the Mavericks’ many concerns over their former superstar, nobody can deny the level of talent Doncic can bring to any team moving forward. The fact he’s only 25 secures the extension of the Purple and Gold’s championship window by at least a decade.

However, Redick is hard-pressed to find a proper schematic replacement for the Anthony Davis-sized hole in his roster. While AD is no Luka , his defensive value is as huge a loss for his roster as much as it is a boon for Jason Kidd’s.

Now that Luka’s immersed in integrating himself into the Los Angeles roster, the rookie head coach posed a challenge to the rest of his team.

JJ Redick challenged the Lakers to improve their defensive effort after Anthony Davis’ departure

The Lakers cruised past their cross-town rivals Clippers after LeBron James put up an uncharacteristic performance. While it was a solid night on all fronts, Redick was asked about the defensive lapses his roster might show now that both Davis and Max Christie—a young defensive talent—was off their books.

He didn’t mince words on the gravity of the situation, as reported by Athlon Sports’ Enzo Flojo:

“We have to be great with our shifts,” he emphasized as he spoke to NBA on TNT’s Jared Greenberg during Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers. “We have to be a team defense.”

AD was a massive loss for the Purple and Gold. Aside from his impressive averages of 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, he’s a defensive enforcer with his 1.3 steals and 2.1 blocks. Aside from his stats, his 7’5.5″ wingspan caused plenty of trouble for anyone trying to get inside Los Angeles’ paint.

Jan 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (left) and head coach JJ Redick (right) talk during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

With rumors circulating that LA is no longer interested in adding frontcourt help as the trade window shuts down, it’s now up to Redick, LeBron, Doncic, and the rest of the roster to pick up the defensive slack and execute a defensive game plan that would help them make the 2025 Finals.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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