Analyzing JJ Redick's Coach of the Year case

Redick has also proved to be a great motivator with his rousing pep talks. After the Lakers stunned the red-hot Nuggets on Saturday, he spoke of the team's willingness "to die on the court" for each other.

"That should build your belief," Redick told his players after the win. "It built my belief in what we can accomplish."

Unlocking Austin Reaves and Max Christie

Redick also deserves a ton of credit for fast-tracking the development of Austin Reaves and Max Christie. While the latter is no longer with the team, he found his footing under Redick, becoming a valuable piece the Mavericks wanted as part of the blockbuster Doncic trade. 

Under Ham, Christie was lost in the shuffle, averaging only 14.1 minutes per night for 4.2 points per game. Under Redick, he became the team's best perimeter defender and a reliable long-range sniper. In January, he led all Lakers in plus/minus (+3.8) while shooting 39.2 percent from three. Christie is now producing similar numbers with the Mavericks. 

Reaves has also benefited enormously from Redick's coaching. The fourth-year guard has upped his points (15.9 to 19.2) and assists (5.5 to 6.1) from last year while draining a career-high 2.6 threes per game. He leads all Lakers starters in plus/minus (+147) for the season.

Redick's Coach of the Year case will only get stronger if the Lakers (34-21) can secure a top-three seed. They are within striking distance, only two games behind the third-seeded Grizzlies in the West.

It's hard to foresee Atkinson not winning the award, given the Cavaliers own the league's best record. However, Redick has firmly established himself as a top candidate, proving that the Lakers made the right call in investing in an unproven head coach.