3 Lakers JJ Redick Needs to Stop Playing Immediately

The Los Angeles Lakers are 12-10 on the season after suffering back-to-back blowout losses this week. Following an encouraging start to the year under new head coach JJ Redick, the Lakers went back to their old habits in recent weeks. What has ailed them in recent years — not getting back in transition, lack of effort, and poor shot selection — are continuing to be issues through the first 22 games of the season.

As most Lakers fans know, the problem starts and ends with the front office. There isn't much any head coach can do to turn this team into a championship contender. There is a glaring lack of depth and talent on this team, and LeBron James is not at the point of his career where he can make a mediocre team into an elite group.

The roster is in desperate need of upgrades, especially in terms of shooting, athleticism, and defense. It would be a big mistake to wait until the trade deadline to address these concerns.

At the same time, Redick needs to make some changes in the rotation to give his team the best chance to compete every night. That starts with cutting the minutes of a few Lakers.

1. Gabe Vincent

Redick is between a rock and a hard place. There aren't any solid guard defenders on the team. D'Angelo Russell is a sieve, and Austin Reaves leaves plenty to be desired guarding on the perimeter. Gabe Vincent provides more defensive intensity than any of the Lakers guards. However, he is a net negative on the offensive end.

Ever since joining the Lakers in the 2023 offseason, Vincent's shot has completely abandoned him. This season, he is only making 23.6% of his threes. Teams have stopped defending him, creating serious spacing issues on a team that is already bereft of elite shooting.

Vincent is also not making enough of an impact on the defensive end. The Lakers still have a bad defensive rating (116.5) when he is on the floor.

The former Heat guard isn't giving the Lakers what they hoped for. It is time to give his minutes to Cam Reddish, Max Christie, and Dalton Knecht.