Redick Gets Weird and It Works as Lakers Flip the Script on Nuggets
The Lakers were staring at another familiar problem against Denver, down big and getting picked apart, when everything suddenly changed. A bold halftime adjustment flipped the game, silenced the Nuggets and may have revealed a new identity for this Lakers team.
Denver controlled the first half with pace and confidence, building a 16 point lead and looking comfortable even without Nikola Jokic on the floor. Jamal Murray was running the offense, finding space and punishing mistakes. It felt like a script Lakers fans have seen too many times before. Then the second half began and the script was torn up.
Head coach JJ Redick went to what he later described as a “weird” defensive look. It was aggressive, unconventional and designed with one clear goal. Protect Luka Doncic on defense while still disrupting Denver’s rhythm. The Lakers began trapping hard, blitzing ball handlers and rotating with length and urgency. It wasn’t pretty at first, but it was committed and it worked.
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The impact was immediate. Denver, which scored 37 points in the first quarter alone, managed just 36 points in the entire second half. Murray, who had been the engine, was held to only two points after the break. The ball was forced out of his hands, passing lanes disappeared and possessions became rushed and uncomfortable.
This wasn’t a one man effort. Marcus Smart set the tone with physical defense. Jarred Vanderbilt and Jackson Hayes brought energy and length. Drew Timme battled inside and helped anchor rotations. It was a full team buy in and Redick made it clear this was no accident. This was preparation, analytics and in game courage coming together.
Why does this matter? Because the Lakers have been searching for consistency and defensive identity. If this “weird” system holds up, it could turn a vulnerable backcourt into a competitive one and give Los Angeles a new way to compete against elite teams. It also signals that Redick is willing to adapt, experiment and trust his group in big moments.
The real test comes next. Can they repeat this effort night after night, or was this a one game surprise? Stay with us as this story develops and keep watching for the adjustments that could shape the Lakers’ season from here on.
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