J = 0 corresponds to L and S being parallel but opposite to each other, since then they would cancel each other out.

J = 1 corresponds to L and S being perpendicular, as then there is a partial contribution to the spin, but one of the two terms (either S or L) is not fully contributing to the total spin.

J = 2 corresponds to L and S being parallel and in the same direction, since then both S and L would add together to create a larger total spin.