The change wasn’t without reason, of course. New Lakers head coach JJ Redick saw an opportunity to shake things up after the team hit an early-season rough patch. Introducing Cam Reddish in place of Russell marked Redick’s first major shift to the starting lineup, and the move certainly paid off on both ends of the court.
During training camp, Redick had named LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Anthony Davis, Rui Hachimura, and Russell as his initial starting five. The decision was based on the group’s impressive 18-6 record together in the 2023-24 season. But even with that impressive history, early losses this season meant something had to change. After a challenging 1-5 slump in late December, Russell was moved to the second unit—a position he kept until mid-January under former Lakers coach Darvin Ham. Now, with fresh coaching staff in place, Russell embraced the move with an open mind and renewed focus. “I left all that, all my baggage at the door this summer once we changed coaches and new staff came in,” he said of his refreshed mindset. “I was committed to whatever it takes. That’s what y'all see now.”
In Memphis, it was clear the Lakers needed an overhaul. They wrapped up a 1-4 road trip with a frustrating 131-114 loss to the Grizzlies. During that game, Redick pulled Russell midway through the third quarter, cutting his playing time to a season-low 22 minutes. Before the substitution, Russell had struggled on both ends, and the game camera caught Redick’s visible frustration as he pounded his chair. Redick later reflected on the moment, explaining that basketball’s intensity sometimes gets the best of him. "Basketball is, to me, an emotional game," he said before the game against Philadelphia. "I'm a competitive person, I'm a passionate person. Sometimes ... for a brief period, you lose control of that emotion."
Redick’s competitive spirit shines through in moments like these, and he didn’t shy away from admitting it. "Maybe it’s the first time something like that was over Twitter, but it’s going to happen again. It may happen two hours from now. That’s just the reality." Despite the heated moment, Redick had only praise for Russell after Friday’s win, as the Lakers moved to an undefeated 4-0 home record. He emphasized Russell’s adaptability and determination to improve. "We’ve asked him to do things. He’s been accepting of the role," Redick shared. "He has a strong desire to win and a strong desire to be coached. Our communication level has been nothing but open, honest, and transparent."
The adjustments seem to be working well for both Russell and the team. With Reddish’s solid defense, especially on Philadelphia’s Paul George (holding him to just nine points on 4-for-13 shooting), Russell brought renewed energy and offensive firepower to the Lakers’ bench—one of the league’s lowest-scoring units. Coach Redick was pleased with the lift Russell gave to the bench. "Big-time pop for us off the bench," Redick said. Russell’s performance tied the highest-scoring game by any Lakers player coming off the bench this season, a testament to his impactful shift to the second unit.
Aside from Russell’s contributions, the Lakers benefitted from strong performances across the board. Anthony Davis returned from a one-game absence, putting up a commanding 31 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks, all while battling plantar fasciitis in his left foot. LeBron James showed his usual brilliance with a 21-point, 13-assist, 12-rebound triple-double, while Austin Reaves added 20 points and seven assists, solidifying the Lakers’ balanced attack.
Redick remains in a state of experimentation with the lineup, feeling out the combinations that best serve the team’s overall dynamic. "I think the balance of the group and for the balance of roles, this felt like the right thing to do right now," he said. "But I just want to be clear, this is all very fluid." He’s determined to find the right chemistry, knowing the Lakers' success may depend on constant tweaks and adjustments.
For Russell, the latest transition is just part of the journey, one he’s fully prepared to tackle. "My approach has been to be professional from day one," he said, emphasizing his dedication to the Lakers. "And I'm committed to it through not playing, through coming off the bench, through whatever it may be. I'm egoless. So, I just want to win." The change in role might be challenging for some, but for Russell, it’s about being a team player.
Here are some exciting takeaways from this lineup shuffle:
-
Russell’s Versatility: Despite being moved to the bench, Russell stepped up as a consistent scorer, showing his ability to thrive in any role.
-
Reddish’s Defensive Boost: By taking on key matchups like Paul George, Reddish added a much-needed defensive edge, balancing out the Lakers’ lineup.
-
LeBron’s Leadership: LeBron continues to be the heart of the team, dishing out a triple-double to help bring home the win.
-
Redick’s Coaching Philosophy: Open to constant lineup changes, Redick’s adaptability and fiery competitive spirit bring a new energy to the Lakers' coaching approach.
The Lakers’ season is just heating up, and if this game is any indicator, Redick’s coaching style and Russell’s unwavering dedication might be the elements that take them far. For fans, the excitement of watching this Lakers lineup grow and adapt keeps every game thrilling as new players step up, lineups change, and fresh dynamics unfold.
Login