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Lakers HC JJ Redick Admits LA is Still Struggling With Rotation

Courtney Tate|

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Los Angeles Lakers

After the Los Angeles Lakers traded for former Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, expectations soared.

With just under 20 games left in the regular season, the team is still navigating how to best integrate Doncic into their roster, especially following the departure of star center Anthony Davis.

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The results have been mixed so far, and Lakers head coach J.J. Redick has been vocal about the adjustments the team needs to make.

Doncic has now played three games for the Lakers, but his performances have raised concerns.

In each game, the star guard has failed to score more than 16 points, putting up 14 points in a win against the Jazz, 16 points in a loss to the same team, and 14 again in the recent stunning defeat to the Charlotte Hornets. Fans have questioned whether the trade, which sent Davis away, was worth it.

Before their game against the Hornets, Redick addressed the situation, acknowledging the challenges the Lakers face.

“We’re still trying to develop the ideal rotation,” Redick said, emphasizing that the rotation may change depending on matchups.

The Lakers have been experimenting with small-ball lineups, sometimes playing without a true center on the floor. This approach, according to Redick, requires a lot of trial and error.

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“You have to build up the familiarity with that group,” he explained.

With the addition of Doncic, Redick believes it’s crucial for the team to continue tweaking their lineup and rotations, particularly as they head into a playoff push.

The fact that the Lakers are getting nearly their full roster available for the first time this season — with LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and now Doncic all on the floor together — could help solidify the team's identity going forward.

The chemistry between Doncic, James, and Reaves is a focal point.

James and Reaves have recently been in excellent form, with James scoring 40 points and Reaves contributing 32 points in their previous win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Once Doncic fully integrates into the offense, the trio could become one of the most dynamic in the league. With James’ leadership and Reaves’ versatility, the Lakers' offensive firepower could be explosive when Doncic reaches full strength.

As Redick noted, adjusting to a new star player takes time.

While the team works through these early struggles, the hope is that as Doncic becomes more comfortable in the system, the Lakers will hit their stride just in time for the playoffs.

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Courtney Tate
COURTNEY TATE

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