LA Lakers fans mock former coach after seeing JJ Redick's clinical offensive schemes - "Darvin Ham could never"

During the LA Lakers' media day, new coach JJ Redick noted that the team's offense was more efficient when executing sets rather than relying on “random” plays on offense. He has told reporters that he would design plays that incorporated more screens, rim runs, pick-and-rolls and pindowns, and in two preseason games so far, fans observed that Redick has done as promised.

In the first half of their second preseason game on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns, the Lakers converted 12 field goals, all of which came off assists.

Fans on X (formerly Twitter) promptly reacted to the statistic as it was raised during the broadcast, with one saying:

"Darvin Ham could never."

Another fan remarked that the energy emitted by the Lakers' offense under JJ Redick felt distinct compared to when Darvin Ham was the coach.

X user @outthewaytre commented:

“There really was light at the end of the tunnel”

One fan said having a coach who runs sets and plays felt "nice," saying:

"It’s so nice to have a head coach who actually runs sets and plays."

Another fan voiced relief at the transformation of the Lakers' offense, stating:

“Thank goodness”

However, there were some who weren't as convinced as the others, with one saying:

“There was plenty of games with Darvin [that] we had similar s**t bro.”

The Lakers lost the game, 118-114. They recorded 31 assists, just shy of the Phoenix Suns’ 33.

Down by two with less than 10 seconds left in the game, the LA Lakers leaned on rookie Dalton Knecht for a 3-pointer, but his 26-footer missed. Despite the missed attempt, fans applauded Redick for the confidence he had in the rookie as he rested his starters in the second half.

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JJ Redick’s set play allowed the LA Lakers to score in their first possession

The LA Lakers’ first play mirrored JJ Redick's promise. Austin Reaves initiated the play after the Lakers won the jump ball, passing it to LeBron James on the left before Anthony Davis came out on top of the free-throw line.

“King James” screened for Reaves, who received the ball on top of the key. As soon as Davis rolled, Reaves delivered a perfect lob pass which Davis finished.

LA scored 114 points tonight on 31 assists. Last season, the Lakers finished third in assists per game with 24.4 in the regular season.