The Los Angeles Lakers won their first Opening Night game since 2016 on Tuesday by defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-103. It is the first victory for JJ Redick in his NBA head coaching debut, bringing about instant hope to the franchise by taking care of one of the best teams in the league last season.
The Lakers brought Redick in hoping to change their fortunes from last season despite making very few roster changes. It was the ultimate test to see how much difference a coach could make. And although it’s only been one regular season game, the energy around Redick is extremely high.
Lakers players even welcomed him to the mix by celebrating his first win the way players always celebrate their coaches’ milestones, with a water bottle shower:…