The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to secure a top-six seed and avoid the Western Conference Play-In Tournament, and head coach JJ Redick is feeling some pressure. While Redick has faced criticism for the team’s defensive struggles, he’s also frustrated by the team’s offensive execution. Austin Reaves is a big part of the Lakers’ dynamic offensive attack, and Redick recently explained what he’d like to see from Reaves moving forward.
JJ Redick Wants Austin Reaves To Be More Aggressive for the Lakers
Lakers insider Daniel Starkand reported on X that Redick wants Reaves to ramp up his aggression. “The messaging to him has just been to be himself,” Redick said.
Reaves is having a career year, averaging 23.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game this season. He likely would have made his first All-Star team this season if he hadn’t suffered a grade 2 left calf strain on Christmas Day against the Houston Rockets that caused him to miss 19 games. Reaves has altered his approach since returning to the lineup, which has apparently frustrated Redick.
JJ Redick says in recent games, Austin Reaves hasn’t been as aggressive as he was earlier in the season, and they want him to get back to that.
“The messaging to him has just been to be himself.”
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) March 8, 2026
Perhaps the biggest sign that Reaves isn’t as aggressive as he was at the start of the season is that he hasn’t taken 20 shots in a game since returning from injury. The last time he attempted 20 or more shots in a game was on Dec. 4 against the Toronto Raptors. While Reaves has to share touches with Luka Dončić and LeBron James, Redick wants to see him ignite the offense as he did earlier in the season.
Another sign that Reaves isn’t as aggressive as he was earlier in the season is his free-throw attempts. Getting to the line and making free throws is an easy way for the NBA’s top scorers to gain confidence. Reaves’ free-throw attempts have declined since his return from injury compared to the start of the season.
Reaves’ role on the team has been a point of discussion all season, and that’s sure to continue moving forward. If Redick’s callout isn’t enough of an incentive to raise his play, his contract status might be.
Reaves is projected to sign a massive new deal this summer and could be in line for a max contract worth up to five years and $241 million with the Lakers. There’s a lot on the line, and Redick wants to see Reaves rise to the occasion.
