Los Angeles Lakers Making Sacrifices While Maintaining Mental Health

According to the Lakers head coach JJ Redick, the Los Angeles Lakers have been standing on business when it comes to making sacrifices and taking care of their mental health. They have been making rotation changes, and guys have been staying professional about it and keeping the right energy for the betterment of the team.

D'Angelo Russell played an essential role in the recent lineup change when Redick decided the Lakers needed more scoring off the bench. Redick said that Russell utilizes his natural charisma and energy to give the team some boost. "It was a challenge I had for him since he came in the gym in September, and I think he's been wonderful in terms of that."

The Lakers understand that their superstar Anthony Davis, along with other injured players such as Christian Wood, will more than likely not play the full 82 games, so guys stepping in will be the Lakers key to success.

Anthony Davis stated that everyone has to sacrifice in order to win a championship, and some players have to do it more than others. That's what good teams do according to Davis. "It's about if guys are willing to accept their roles and understand it takes sacrifices to win, and I think everyone on this team believes that we are going to do whatever it takes. Which is why it wasn't a bad thing when JJ (Redick) asked D'Lo (Russell) to go to the bench for Cam (Reddish). Everybody has been able to do whatever the team needs to get wins and ultimately compete for a championship"

Redick says he trusts his guys and they believe in his ability to communicate with them. As a former player, he realized how he would want to connect with his coaches. He learns from his current staff and his past experiences when he played in the NBA. "You're constantly managing your mental load, bandwidth, and energy. Provided clarity to the guys about the next 24-48 hours. Something that I am trying to do with these guys.

The first-year coach used the Sacramento game last month as an example, it was a back-to-back, third game of the week and they didn't have time for a shoot-around. Redick made it clear to the guys they wouldn't be doing anything because they were flying into Phoenix, and they won't have a shootaround.

"I told them this in our pre-game meeting. It's like whatever you got tonight, mentally and physically we need you. And you have 48 hours before you do it again. As a player, I would want to hear that."

Redick is showing he cares about his players mental health, understanding they are human before they are basketball players. He is also cognitive of the players workload and energy. In a recent press conference, he stated that he constantly gages it, and you feel it. As a former player he is aware when they can overwhelm. "Sometimes it comes with breaking a clipboard," Redick said jokingly. He noted that he only had one episode with a loss of emotion.

The Lakers have two road games on Friday against the Spurs and Saturday they face the Pelicans before they return home on Tuesday to play the Jazz at 7:30 p.m.