Is JJ Redick Coaching the Team He Wants, or the Team He Has?

The Lakers got thumped by San Antonio on Wednesday, and in what is becoming a trend for this Lakers squad, when they lose, they lose. But this loss, more than others, seems to have created significant attention around the team, how it's constructed, and whether or not its flaws are correctable. Because the Spurs were faster than the Lakers, they put pressure on the defense the Lakers couldn't handle, and (more or less) kept them - and especially Austin Reaves - off the free throw line. The Lakers are going to struggle to get faster. They're going to have to be a defensive team that becomes greater than the sum of its parts. That's often a tall task, especially in the postseason. It also means JJ Redick needs to maximize what he has... and is he? A lot of this conversation can be boiled down to two role players - Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt. Should the Lakers finally pull the trigger on swapping Rui for Marcus Smart in the starting lineup? It would balance that group defensively in ways obvious even to podcast hosts. So why hasn't Redick pulled the trigger? And what about Vando, who is flawed but could at least in theory address some of the team's shortcomings, whether in defensive energy, offensive rebounding and general disruptiveness? Clearly Redick doesn't believe in Vanderbilt, or that the tradeoffs he presents are worth it. But are there ways to get him into the lineup while mitigating those? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Why the loss to the Spurs seemed different. SEGMENT 2: Looking at Rui. Is a lineup change needed? SEGMENT 3: What about Vando? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Mint Mobile Turn your expensive wireless present into a huge wireless savings future by switching to Mint.Shop Mint Unlimited Plans at http://MINTMOBILE.com/LOCKEDONNBA . Disclaimer: Limited time offer. Upfront payment of: $45 for 3-mo., $90 for 6-mo., or $180 for 12-mo. plan required($15/mo. equivalent). Taxes & feesInitial plan term only. Greater Than 35GB may slow when network is busy. Capable device required. Availability, speed, & coverage varies. See mintmobile.com. Quo Make this the year where no opportunity and no customer slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://www.Quo.com/lockedonnba .Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. Zocdoc Stop putting off your doctor’s appointments and get the care you need. Go to htps://Zocdoc.com/lockedonnba to find and instantly book a top-rated doctortoday. Robinhood You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney . Your money. Your move. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.