"JJ about to spoil us" - Lakers fans hyped for JJ Redick's 'exotic' schemes designed to amplify $48M defensive stalwart's impact 

JJ Redick's game-planning has stood out in his initial days as the LA Lakers coach. He has seemingly implemented organization and structure in the team's play on both ends. Redick has also been open about his plans during the press conferences, winning over the media and fans.

The 40-year-old had another one of those moments after announcing his plans for the Lakers' $48 million defensive stalwart, Jarred Vanderbilt. The forward is currently out recovering from an injury, but Redick already has clarity on his role ahead of his return.

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, the rookie coach said he has a zone defensive package that would cater to Vanderbilt's strengths. It's not the first time Redick has spoken about maximizing a role player's potential. Having already seen other players pick up their games, Lakers fans were hyped to learn about Redick's plans with Vanderbilt, a fan favorite among the Lakers faithful.

"JJ about to spoil us with all this exotic stuff," one Lakers fan wrote.

Another fan took shots at former coach Darvin Ham, who couldn't optimize the talent on the roster with such schemes.

"Nah man ain’t no way we will have exotic packages like this geared to specific personnel strengths; y’all told me that the Lakers just need to make outside shots & hope the other team misses and there’s nothing that can be done when they don’t," the fan wrote.

Reaction on JJ Redick's plans for Jarred Vanderbilt

One fan claimed JJ Redick could be a championship-caliber coach.

"DID HE JUST SAY A DEFENSIVE PACKAGE CATERED TO VANDO??!??!! Redick will be a Championship HC OML"

Another fan tried to break down what the scheme could be, saying:

"It’s probably gonna be some type of 1-3-1 iteration with Vando at the top of it to play passing lanes and guard POA"

Reactions on JJ Redick's plans for Jarred Vanderbilt

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JJ Redick and Lakers could certainly use Jarred Vanderbilt amid transition defense woes

Jarred Vanderbilt was a difference-maker for the Lakers after their post-2023 trade deadline surge into a playoff contender. His work on defense as a point-of-attack presence and rebounder alone elevated the Lakers as a defensive prowess. They had the second-best defensive rating in the final 26 games of the 2022-23 season.

Vanderbilt secured himself a spot in the starting lineup and compensated for D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves' defensive frailties. His versatility and quickness impacted the Lakers' transition and half-court defense.

LA's defense hasn't been up to the mark since the 2023-24 season, with Vanderbilt missing majority of the games because of injury. He only played 29 games last year. The Lakers have Gabe Vincent as a point-of-attack threat, but his lack of size proves a bit of an issue.

That's not the case with Jarred Vanderbilt, who can comfortably guard players one to four and put up a reasonably good shift against centers. The Lakers haven't looked any better in their first three preseason games defensively, certainly making the need for Vanderbilt to be in the lineup even more evident.