JJ Redick’s decision to get the ball in Anthony Davis’ hands as much as possible has already reaped huge rewards with the Los Angeles Lakers star making a record-breaking start to the new season.

Davis has racked up huge numbers in the Lakers’ opening two games of the campaign, averaging 35.5 points and 12 rebounds with a field goal percentage of almost 54.

The 31-year-old has endured significant peaks and troughs in his production with the Lakers since joining in 2019. But rookie head coach Redick has rapidly found a way of getting the best out of the former New Orleans Pelicans star.

Redick told reporters ahead of the start of the season that it was his intention to feed Davis the ball as much as possible, as well as maximizing his ability as a shooter to open up opportunities for his teammates across the court.

“Anthony has the ability to stretch the floor and create mismatches,” Redick said. “When a player of his caliber can step out and hit threes, it opens up so many options for the team, especially with the kind of shooting and playmaking we already have.”

The Lakers opened up with a 110-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves before defeating the Phoenix Suns 123-116 at Crypto.com Arena on Friday night. Davis finished with a game-leading 35 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

The nine-time All-Star is delighted by his start to the season, which has seen him join Jerry West and Elgin Baylor as the only players in franchise history to start a campaign with back-to-back 35-point games. Davis acknowledged Redick’s immediate impact on his game.

Davis has been unstoppable so far this season

Davis has been unstoppable so far this season ( 

Image:

Harry How/Getty Images)

“The way the team is playing, guys are making big-time shots. We’re making the right plays,” Davis said. “Obviously, the schematics that [Redick] put in, just helping me out, helping everyone out.

“We just have so much spacing. We’re having fun doing it. That’s one of our pillars is joy, and we’re just having fun playing basketball.

“The guys are getting me the ball in my spots, so it’s easier when guys are making shots and making plays. It opens up the floor for me. We put in a lot of good schemes to open the floor for myself, Bron, [Austin Reaves], [D’Angelo Russell]. We just operate making the right play, so I’m in the position that I’m getting the ball when I’m in the paint.”

LeBron James echoed Redick’s thoughts on Davis, emphasizing the importance of putting the center at the heart of the Lakers’ offense.

“It’s very important that he’s the main focal point for us every single night,” James said. “We know what he’s going to do defensively, but offensively we have to find him in multiple places on the floor throughout the whole game. And we’ve done that through two games.

“It’s our job as the ball handlers to continue to feed him, find him. And what AD did, what AD does tonight. I mean, 36, 16, three blocks, four assists, steal and only one turnover with all the usage that he had tonight.”

The Lakers are back in action for their third consecutive home game to open the season on Saturday night, hosting the Sacramento Kings. A trip to Arizona to take on the Phoenix Suns follows on Monday.