Anthony Davis Praises JJ Redick, Says Lakers Were ‘Very Prepared’ in Win vs. T-Wolves

Anthony Davis had high praise for new head coach JJ Redick after the Los Angeles Lakers opened the 2024-25 NBA season with a 110-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Davis said Redick had the team “very prepared” for what they would see from the Timberwolves on both ends of the court.

“The game plan, the schemes that he had on both ends of the floor, he trusts us,” Davis explained. “We trust him, as far as what he teaches us, what he wants us to do on the floor on both ends and it’s our job to go execute it. I think we were very prepared tonight.”

One of the biggest points of emphasis for the Lakers seemed to be feeding Davis. The nine-time All-Star finished with 36 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and three blocks in 38 minutes.

Perhaps the most encouraging sign from the game was Davis appeared more willing to shoot threes than he has in the past. Redick talked during the preseason about the star forward’s willingness to take shots behind the arc (starts at 2:25 mark).

This has been a point of emphasis for the Lakers for some time. Former head coach Darvin Ham might have gone too far with it last year by saying he would like Davis to attempt six threes per game.

Davis only made one three-pointer on three attempts against the Timberwolves, but his first game with that many attempts last season wasn’t until Dec. 13.

The Lakers as a team only shot 5-of-30 from behind the arc, but they made up for it on defense by forcing 15 turnovers to get 95 field-goal attempts compared to just 85 for Minnesota.

LeBron James will always be the focal point for any team he’s on, but Davis’ ability to play at MVP level this season could determine where the Lakers end up in the Western Conference hierarchy.

It was only one game, but the most important thing Redick might bring to this team is heavily emphasizing Davis because of what he can do on both ends of the court.