JJ Redick says the Lakers need to get in “championship shape” during the offseason to remain competitive next season.

The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, have experienced a turbulent few years. While they remain a high-profile team due to their immense star power—especially with LeBron James and Anthony Davis—there have been noticeable struggles in recent seasons. From injuries to inconsistent play, the Lakers have found themselves in a tough spot after winning the 2020 NBA Championship in a season that was marred by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the Lakers look ahead to the next season, they know they need to improve. However, there is a deeper issue that needs addressing: the physical state of the roster. JJ Redick, former NBA player and current media personality, recently stated that the Lakers must get into “championship shape” during the offseason to be contenders next year. Redick’s comments come at a critical juncture for the Lakers, as they aim to rebuild their roster, regain their form, and make another run at the NBA championship.

This article takes an in-depth look at Redick’s remarks and explores what “championship shape” means for the Lakers, why it’s important, and what the team needs to do during the offseason to meet these physical and mental challenges.

The Current State of the Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are an iconic franchise that has won 17 NBA championships, tied with the Boston Celtics for the most in league history. Led by Hall of Famers such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal, the Lakers have long been a force in the NBA. More recently, the Lakers added LeBron James, one of the greatest players to ever play the game, and Anthony Davis, a top-tier talent, to the mix.

In 2020, the Lakers were able to put together a championship-winning team in a strange and difficult season that was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. LeBron James and Anthony Davis led the charge, and the team ultimately emerged as the champions. However, the last few seasons have been a struggle. Injuries have plagued key players, and roster moves have led to an inconsistent level of play. The Lakers’ championship window seems to be shrinking as the team continues to face challenges both on and off the court.

LeBron James, who is now in his 20th season in the NBA, has shown few signs of slowing down, but injuries, particularly to his foot and knee, have raised concerns about his long-term health and ability to maintain his elite level of play. Anthony Davis, while a dominant force when healthy, has also been riddled with injuries. This has made it difficult for the Lakers to find a rhythm and stay competitive in the postseason.

During the 2022-2023 NBA season, the Lakers showed promise after making several trades to bolster their roster around their two stars. The acquisitions of D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt were key, but still, there were inconsistencies that led to missed opportunities. The Lakers have been stuck in a “win-now” mode, and despite some solid performances, they’ve failed to reach their full potential.

With the 2023-2024 season on the horizon, there are growing concerns about whether the Lakers can truly contend for another championship. The team is at a crossroads, and JJ Redick’s comments underscore the importance of the offseason and the physical preparation that must take place in order for the Lakers to be truly competitive.

What Does “Championship Shape” Mean?

When JJ Redick talks about the Lakers needing to get into “championship shape,” he’s referring to much more than just physical conditioning. To be in championship shape means a holistic approach to preparation that combines fitness, nutrition, recovery, mental toughness, and team chemistry. Redick’s point is clear: the Lakers must be ready to compete at the highest level in every aspect of the game if they are to have any hope of winning another championship.

1. Physical Conditioning and Health

Physical conditioning is often the first thing that comes to mind when talking about being in “championship shape.” In the NBA, players must be in peak physical form to endure the rigors of an 82-game regular season, a potential deep playoff run, and the intense physical demands that come with it. This includes strength, agility, endurance, and flexibility.

For LeBron James, this means managing his body in his 20th season. LeBron is known for his meticulous offseason training routine, but as he ages, maintaining his physical condition becomes even more critical. At 38 years old, he is no longer the 28-year-old phenom who could dominate the floor for 40 minutes a game. His body needs to be in optimal shape to manage the wear and tear of a full season.

For Anthony Davis, injury prevention is key. His body has been a concern throughout his career, with various issues, especially with his lower body. To be in championship shape, Davis needs to focus on strengthening his body to avoid injuries and improve his durability over the course of the season. The Lakers need a healthy and motivated Davis if they are to contend.

The rest of the roster, including role players like Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura, will also need to focus on physical conditioning. Reaves, in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance but could benefit from further strengthening his game. Russell will need to continue refining his skills and improving his conditioning to be more effective both offensively and defensively.

2. Mental Toughness and Focus

Physical shape is vital, but mental toughness is what separates the great teams from the rest. When Redick talks about “championship shape,” he is also emphasizing the mental aspect of preparation. The playoffs, especially, can be mentally taxing, and teams that win championships are often those that can maintain their focus under pressure.

For LeBron, mental toughness has never been in question, but with the Lakers’ inconsistency in recent years, they will need to be more mentally prepared than ever before. LeBron’s leadership will be crucial in ensuring the team is focused, disciplined, and able to navigate adversity. For a team that has had its fair share of struggles in recent seasons, instilling a championship mentality is just as important as building physical strength.

Anthony Davis must also improve his mental approach. At times, Davis has been criticized for his inconsistency in terms of intensity and engagement. For the Lakers to be successful, Davis needs to bring it every game—especially in high-pressure moments.

The role players, too, need to develop the mental fortitude to perform in clutch situations. For a team with championship aspirations, every player needs to step up when it matters most. Reaves and Russell are emerging as key players for the Lakers, and their growth mentally and emotionally will be just as vital as their physical progress.

3. Team Chemistry and Cohesion

Building chemistry and cohesion is another key component of being in championship shape. The Lakers have made several roster changes in recent years, and while the additions of players like Russell, Hachimura, and Vanderbilt helped, team chemistry has been inconsistent. This offseason, the Lakers will need to focus on developing stronger connections between the core players. They must build better on-court communication, trust, and understanding to play cohesively.

Championship teams are built on teamwork. The Lakers need to have each player on the same page, both offensively and defensively. This means they must prioritize not only individual growth but also collective growth as a unit. The way the Lakers communicate on defense, share the ball on offense, and work together through difficult moments will ultimately decide their fate in the postseason.

The Lakers’ Offseason Priorities

So, how can the Lakers focus on getting into championship shape this offseason? There are several key areas that need attention:

1. Health and Recovery:
   • LeBron and Davis must focus on their recovery, specifically targeting injury-prone areas. LeBron should continue his signature maintenance program, focusing on his lower body, while Davis should strengthen his legs and back to prevent future injuries.
   • The rest of the roster must also focus on injury prevention and recovery. The Lakers can’t afford to have key players miss significant time next season.
2. Adding Depth to the Roster:
   • While the Lakers have a solid core, adding depth to their bench is crucial for long-term success. Players like Malik Beasley, Mo Bamba, and others should work on improving their skills, and the Lakers will also need to make smart moves in free agency or through trade.
3. Developing the Young Players:
   • Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura are key players for the Lakers’ future. They need to continue developing their games and increasing their consistency. Reaves, in particular, should work on refining his scoring ability and improving his defense to help the Lakers in the postseason.
4. Improving Offensive Flow:
   • The Lakers need to fine-tune their offensive system. The team struggled with offensive consistency at times, and they will need to build a more fluid and reliable attack. This includes improving spacing, ball movement, and shot selection.
5. Defensive Cohesion:
   • The Lakers have been one of the better defensive teams in the NBA, but they need to continue building their defensive identity. This includes improving communication, rotations, and protecting the rim.

A Long Road Ahead for the Lakers

JJ Redick’s comments about the Lakers needing to get in “championship shape” during the offseason are a clear message that the team has a long road ahead if they want to compete for another title. The Lakers’ aging stars, health concerns, and inconsistency in recent seasons make this offseason critical for the team’s future success.

The Lakers have the talent to be contenders, but talent alone won’t get them there. They need to be in championship shape, both physically and mentally. The offseason will be crucial for this team to address their weaknesses, develop better chemistry, and ensure they are ready to go when the 2023-2024 season begins.

As LeBron James continues to defy the odds of aging, and as Anthony Davis works to stay healthy and consistent, the rest of the Lakers roster will need to step up and embrace the challenge. If the team can improve its conditioning, mental approach, and overall cohesion, the Lakers could very well find themselves back in the championship conversation.

In the NBA, only the teams with the best shape, both physically and mentally, are able to reach the pinnacle. For the Lakers, getting into championship shape is the first step toward reclaiming their place among the league’s elite.