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The Los Angeles Lakers are now well into their first season under head coach JJ Redick, whose hiring was first subjected to doubts. As it unfolds through and by the 2024-25 NBA season, things appear to dominate the Western Conference for these Lakers and their first-time coach Redick.
JJ Redick In Charge, Lakers Off to a Good Start.
This record of 33-21 has proven that the Lakers have outshone really doubting that Redick could actually walk the talk. Sitting 2.5 games ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers and just one back of the Houston Rockets, the Lakers placement paired with a top 10 offense and steadily climbing into mediocrity from an abysmal starting point of the season-now at No.15-has propelled them into the 4th place of the conference.
While talking about Redick's philosophy on winning, Redick was seen explaining what an important win means in Thursday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, where the team won by eight points.
Redick's Winning Cheat Code
"There is only really one cheat code in the NBA, and that's playing hard," Redick said, according to *Yahoo Sports*. "If you play hard every night, you have a chance to win. If you don't play hard every night, you probably lose... You give yourself a chance to win every night if you play hard."
At least in basketball, this rule applies well enough to all levels. Yet the seriousness of the level makes this teaching speak even further into existence.
Playing Hard: Lessons from Miami Heat
When it comes to success, the Miami Heat are a classic example of how far effort and determination can take one. Since Pat Riley came into Hotland in 1995, this franchise earned a hard and successful reputation. It won three NBA championships and made 10 appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals.
It would be rather ironic for the Lakers as they would have sunk lower than they currently are against the Heat, by an appalling 41 points; it was during the second half that the Lakers started to give up, and Redick openly scorned them for lack of effort.
Playing Hard Works: Lakers have Turned Around from the Heat Loss
Since that game, the Lakers have then gone 21-12 and have the sixth-best defense in the league. Talent has its portion, but Redick should be credited with much of the accolades for his contributions to the hard-nosed, effort, and discipline culture that has accomplished that turnaround.
This notion of hard work cannot solely belong to the Lakers. The Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, and Cleveland Cavaliers are among some other teams that would undoubtedly fall under this category. Respect also goes to the Magic, who probably have a problem making shots but clearly do not have a problem with effort.
Talent Must Walk Hand in Hand with Hard Work
The most successful teams in the NBA marry talent with hard work. Much like Redick's Lakers climbing their ladder, the home truth to which this "cheat code" lends credence is that hard work and sheer determination blend with talent on their road to success.
Play hard, and you give yourself a chance to win, no matter who you are-a Lakers, Heat, or anybody else.
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