Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick made his stance clear regarding Austin Reaves' defensive play. After a disappointing 1-4 NBA road trip, Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick saw a need to shake up the lineup and refocus Austin Reaves on key defensive responsibilities—a shift that paid dividends in the games that followed.

Here are three ways the Lakers are dramatically different this year -- and one way they are troublingly the same.

Austin Reaves shared that head coach JJ Redick laid down a challenge for him before the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Philadelphia 76ers in their latest NBA matchup. The Los Angeles Lakers returned home with a win over the Philadelphia 76ers,

While LeBron James continues to defy father time with his excellent play, the Los Angeles Lakers have had to deal with some injuries and lineup changes as of late, falling back down to earth after their hot start and currently sitting at 6-4.