The Los Angeles Lakers’ fantastic start to their 2024-25 campaign is giving its fans hope regarding its coming campaign. After a middling start that saw them start the season at 4-4, the JJ Redick-led outfit has since won five straight.
Fans of the Purple and Gold can point to multiple reasons behind the team’s early-season success. Anthony Davis is showing his passion on the court through his impressive box stats. LeBron James continues to confound critics and supporters alike with his level of play at 39 years old.
However, Redick may argue that the team’s role players did a lot more to help the squad get in its current position. Dalton Knecht might be the best example for the fans, but other members of the Laker roster also contributed to their win streak.
The rookie head coach highlighted one player as a major asset during their most recent win against decent opposition.
JJ Redick praises Christian Koloko for his effort in the Lakers’ win over the Pelicans
The Lakers kept their win streak alive against the Pelicans, but the 104-99 final score showed how close the game was to ending up as a loss for them.
Redick then elaborated on how important Christian Koloko’s efforts was in ensuring the Purple and Gold would walk away with the dub.
Per Silver Screen & Roll’s Jacob Rude:
“He was great for us,” Redick said. “I think, for him, just continuing to build confidence, not only as an individual but just confidence in playing with the group. That doesn’t happen overnight. It doesn’t happen in a week or two. He’s an early-season addition in some ways to our team.
“He was good tonight. We had him on the in-bounder on that last play when they ended up getting the turnover. Nice guy to have on the roster to put out there and he produced.”
Koloko was a promising big man who missed his second NBA season due to illness. The Lakers, who badly needed a big man to provide cover for Redick’s squad as the front office failed to make the most of free agency.
Koloko may have only played ten minutes for the Lakers, but he produced six points, six rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block during that time. He was a key piece that allowed AD to get rest and finish the game.
The 24-year-old Cameroonian is having a decent season for a player sitting at the end of the bench, averaging 2.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.4 assists. It wouldn’t be strange to see Redick give him more minutes for the Lakers after the performance he put up, though.
For More Content
For questions and opportunities, message me at c.alamodin.writes@gmail.com. Click here for more content about your favorite NBA, WNBA, and college basketball teams!
