Lakers start 2-0 thanks to Redick’s plan for Anthony Davis

Los Angeles Lakers advance to 2-0 behind a good performance by Anthony Davis

LOS ANGELES – When JJ Redick was hired as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, he said one of his first goals was to make Anthony Davis an offensive center.

Two games into Redick’s tenure, things are going according to plan.

With 35 points Friday night in a 123-116 victory over the Phoenix Suns, Davis joined Jerry West and Elgin Baylor as the only Lakers to score at least 35 points in the first two games of a season.

“Guys are making big shots. We’re making the right plays,” said Davis, who had eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks. “Honestly, the scheme that JJ put in place has helped me and it’s helping everyone. “We have so much space and we’re having fun doing it.”

There was only one streak last season where Davis had consecutive 35-point games. He had 36 points and 16 rebounds in the Lakers’ 110-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.

Friday’s game had more drama.

The Lakers fell behind by 22 points in the second quarter as Phoenix made 21 of its first 30 shots. However, Los Angeles made adjustments on defense and closed the gap to 61-52 at halftime before rallying in the second half to post its first 2-0 start in 14 years.

Reddick said one of the reasons the Lakers were able to come back was Davis’ patience despite the early deficit.

“There’s a level of comfort and confidence that if the game starts to get crazy, he knows the ball will come back to him,” Reddick said.

In a game that also provided an early test for rookie coach Reddick and his staff, Davis was impressed with the way Reddick handled the adversity.

“Being under 22, that’s when the trust in the coach and the training has to come in,” Davis said. “JJ comes into the period and tells us to relax because we know what we’re doing wrong in terms of turning and moving. He doesn’t get nervous, obviously, he makes us not panic. “We trust what he’s doing and what schemes that he implements on both sides of the court.

Reddick is the first Lakers coach since Phil Jackson in 1999 to win his first two games.

Davis’ increased role has helped relieve some of the pressure on LeBron James and has also allowed Austin Reaves’ game to continue to grow.

James went 2 of 6 from the field, but scored 11 points in the third quarter and finished with 21.

“Our job is to go out and execute. We have to earn their trust. We have to implement it and continue to focus more and more,” James said. “It’s very important that he (Davis) has been a center for us. Offensively we have to find him in several places on the court throughout the game. And we have done it in two games. “

Reaves, who received a 6 a.m. text message from Reddick telling him he could have a big game, scored 26 points, including five 3-pointers.

“He knows the speed of the game as a player’s coach,” Reaves said of Reddick. “I think the staff has a high IQ and they see the game with a player’s mind. “