JJ Redick says the Lakers have to be more organized in Game 2

The devil is in the details and those aspects of the game will be key for the Lakers against the Wolves in Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs.

When you lose by 22 points on your home court like the Lakers did in Game 1 on Saturday, there are plenty of ways to improve.

Los Angeles has an array of flaws to focus on, from at least breaking the century mark in points to rebounding better and not giving up 42 open looks from 3-point range.

After Lakers practice on Monday, the word JJ Redick kept using to describe the improvements his team needed to make was organized.

“We just have to do a lot of things better. It starts with playing harder and being organized,” Redick said. “I think a lot of time you would hear that word and you would think, ‘Oh, it’s the point guard calling the play.’ It’s just all of the normal stuff that we try to do and when we do it, we’re really good.

“Being organized is screening. Being organized is getting to the proper spacing. Being organized is getting the corners filled after makes and misses. That’s being organized. There’s set calls you would call after dead balls, free throws and what not. But our early offense stuff, like any team, it’s the same s---. It’s remarkable how many possessions we had three, four guys at half court with 15 on the [shot] clock. Like, literally just bunched up together at half court. So that’s what it means to be organized.”

If organization is the motif for Game 2, then Redick just laid the groundwork for what that will look like.

Players need to get back on offense so the team can run their sets quicker. Everyone needs to put a body on a Wolves player and grab a board and turnovers need to dip below the 13 they committed in Game 1.

The one positive of playing a game so poorly is that you have plenty of room for improvement. Los Angeles has played far better than this against opponents with better records, so this isn’t a moment to panic. It’s a chance to clean things up.

Dorian Finney-Smith is embracing the need to be better, calling Game 2 a “must-win.” While that might be a bit strong, it sets the standard for the team.

They want this win, feel like they need it and will come out with the appropriate level of focus.

If they still fall short, uncomfortable conversations will ensue. For now, all L.A. has to do is take care of business at home so they can even this series and go on the road with a chance to reclaim home court.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.