Although the preseason began with consecutive losses and required a remarkable 20-0 surge from the end of the bench to secure JJ Redick’s inaugural head coaching victory against Glenn Rivers’ Bucks, the atmosphere surrounding the Lakers has been nothing short of exceptional.
Players and coaching staff alike have expressed their dedication to the organization and meticulousness, reflecting a shared focus and purpose that seems to contrast sharply with the previous season, suggesting a transformative shift under the new leadership.
However, amidst this positive outlook, areas for improvement remain. Following the preseason opener against the Timberwolves, Redick remarked that his team had been “destroyed” in possession battles, yielding offensive rebounds and committing excessive turnovers. The loss against the Suns largely stemmed from a lack of urgency and attentiveness, especially among the bench players.
Thus, there are both strengths and weaknesses to consider. Here are three aspects I have appreciated and found lacking in the Lakers’ three preseason games so far.
Two Big Lineup
One of my primary questions regarding Redick’s coaching philosophy was whether he intended to implement two-big lineups featuring Anthony Davis alongside Jaxson Hayes. Last season, AD and Hayes logged just 89 minutes together, achieving a +2.4 net rating during that time. While this sample size is small, the overall success of that pairing piqued my interest in seeing more of it.
But would Redick share that sentiment? After AD missed the preseason opener against the Wolves, we received our answer when both he and Hayes played together against the Suns — and the answer was affirmative.
Toward the end of the first quarter, Redick deployed a lineup with AD and Hayes together, even utilizing both along with LeBron later on. In their subsequent game against the Bucks, Redick returned to this combination at the same juncture in the game, indicating it was not merely a one-off experiment.
After the Suns matchup, Redick specifically highlighted the benefits of that lineup, noting their defensive cohesion.
Rotation wise, JJ Redick noted that he really liked the switching group late in the 1st Q vs. Phoenix with Davis at the 4, while still having size at the 5 (Jaxson Hayes).
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 8, 2024
AD’s position at power forward offers various advantages, one being his ability to operate more frequently on the perimeter, enhancing his capacity to contest wing shots and then sprint the floor for quick offensive opportunities. For instance, during a matchup against Royce O’Neale, Davis challenged a jumper and subsequently raced to secure deep position in the paint, where he received a lengthy pass from D’Angelo Russell and converted an easy basket at the rim.
In the game against the Bucks, Redick exhibited further creativity and defensive flexibility with this lineup, implementing a 3-2 zone alignment with AD at the top, while LeBron and Hayes constituted the backline. This setup allowed AD to leverage his height and length, enabling him to drop down from the key for rebounding assistance.
One challenge associated with zone defense is its potential detrimental impact on defensive rebounding, but one approach to rectifying this is…
One way to address this is to allow AD a clear path from the top of the key instead of having him box out and rotate under the basket against the dynamics that many zone offenses present.
The sustainability of playing zone as a tactical approach for this group is less concerning than whether they will continue to work together at all. At least initially, it seems Redick is dedicated to giving these lineups some time to demonstrate that last season’s promising statistics, albeit from a limited sample size, can be built upon.
Young Wings
Relying heavily on young players can be risky, particularly in the NBA. Basketball is a flow sport where a game can hinge on the micro-decisions of individual players; even a minor misstep can provide the opposing team with an opportunity to gain the upper hand.
If mistakes occur frequently throughout a game, the opposing team may find themselves with more chances to capitalize, thereby enhancing their prospects for victory.
However, if a team can effectively create a suitable role for a young player whose skill set aligns well with that role, it becomes possible not only to rely on the player for contributions but also to benefit from the injection of youthful talent into the lineup—specifically in terms of athleticism, enthusiasm, and just enough innocence to pose a threat.
Over the course of three preseason games, the Lakers’ young wing players, Max Christie and Dalton Knecht, have not been flawless. They have experienced moments of questionable shot selection and times when their performance didn’t provide the steady presence the lineups required. Both have exhibited the usual highs and lows typical of young players being asked to take on responsibilities beyond their current experience levels on a play-by-play basis.
Nevertheless, they have also demonstrated that they possess the competitive spirit and dedication necessary for this Lakers team, as both are eager to execute the fundamentals their coach has outlined to secure the roles they aspire to hold.
For Max, this has involved applying full-court pressure defensively, competing on the boards, and taking—while making—the open three-pointers set up by his teammates. Dalton, on the other hand, has been active defensively, pursuing offensive rebounds from the corners, and remaining assertive in the flow of the team’s offense.
Though these tasks come with their own challenges, the commitment to executing them consistently has been evident. When combined with their energy and solid size, it is clear how both players can positively influence the game during the minutes they do receive this season.
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
Quick Trigger
I fully support the Lakers increasing their 3-point attempts as a fundamental strategy in their offense. In recent seasons, the Lakers have often faced a mathematical challenge, trading two-point shots for three-pointers from their opponents, trying to compensate for those deficits in various aspects of the game to secure victories.
It’s crucial to alleviate some of that pressure by both attempting and making more threes. I am generally pleased that Redick emphasizes the goal of having the team shoot “six to seven” additional threes per game this season compared to last…rather than the 50 threes per game he humorously suggested.
Although this increase would not place them among the highest 3-point shooting teams, it would move them closer to the upper third of the league. This adjustment could provide them with more variability and, if shooting efficiently, a greater margin for error offensively.
That said, while I appreciate the idea of shooting more threes, the methods for generating those shots remain critical to me. In other words, I do not want the Lakers to shoot just any 3-pointer simply because the aim is to increase their shot volume.
There should be a level of thoughtfulness and the understanding that not all threes hold the same value. If the team aims to increase their attempts, they must put in the effort to create quality shots that are more likely to succeed.
Though it’s still early and a work in progress, I must admit that I’m not entirely convinced the Lakers will put in that effort. Too often, they have opted for quick, early-clock threes that seem to merely relieve the defense without a strategic build-up.
They have been settling for no-pass or one-pass threes, shots that appear available at any moment during a possession—especially later on the shot clock—instead of working their offense to generate looks from moving the ball, establishing an advantage, or forcing their opponent into rotation.
I understand that it’s just been three games, and I recognize that the Lakers are purposefully employing basic sets to establish their foundation on that side of the court. Such an offense does not always lend itself to finding the best shots achievable through progressing to the second, third, or fourth options.
Nonetheless, I will be monitoring this situation closely. As much as I hope for the Lakers to shoot more threes, I also desire those attempts to be of higher quality than the ones they’ve been pursuing so far.
You can follow Darius on Twitter at @forumbluegold.
Assessing the Lakers’ Preseason: Positives and Negatives Amidst Early Struggles
Overview of the Lakers’ Preseason Performance
The Los Angeles Lakers, a storied franchise in the NBA, have kicked off their preseason with a mix of promising highlights and concerning challenges. As fans eagerly anticipate the regular season, it’s crucial to evaluate how the team is shaping up. With star players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis taking the court, expectations are high, yet the team has encountered several early hurdles.
Key Positives from Preseason Games
- Emerging Talent: Young players such as Max Christie and Jalen Hood-Schifino have shown flashes of brilliance, contributing significantly during games. Their performances indicate depth in the roster that could be vital throughout the season.
- Team Chemistry: The Lakers have been working on integrating new players into their system. The early signs of chemistry, especially between veteran leaders and younger talents, are encouraging for the regular season.
- Defensive Improvements: Under head coach Darvin Ham, the Lakers have placed an emphasis on defense. The preseason has allowed them to showcase their defensive strategies, which could be a game-changer come playoff time.
- LeBron and Davis’ Leadership: Both superstars have demonstrated their commitment to leading the team, both on and off the court. Their presence alone can have a positive influence on the younger players.
Notable Negatives and Areas for Improvement
- Inconsistent Shooting: One of the biggest challenges so far has been the team’s shooting efficiency. Several games have highlighted their struggles from beyond the arc, which is crucial in today’s NBA.
- Injury Concerns: The Lakers have faced minor injury issues with key players. Maintaining health will be paramount as the regular season approaches.
- Defensive Communication: While there have been improvements defensively, lapses in communication have led to easy baskets for opponents, indicating a need for more cohesive play.
- Turnover Issues: The team has shown a tendency to turn the ball over frequently, which can be detrimental in close games. Addressing ball security will be vital as they move forward.
Statistical Breakdown of Preseason Performance
| Game | Opponent | Result | Points Scored | Turnovers | 3-Point % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Golden State Warriors | Loss | 98 | 15 | 28% |
| 2 | Sacramento Kings | Win | 105 | 10 | 35% |
| 3 | Los Angeles Clippers | Win | 110 | 12 | 32% |
| 4 | Portland Trail Blazers | Loss | 100 | 17 | 25% |
Player Highlights
LeBron James
LeBron has demonstrated leadership and skill, contributing significantly to the team’s overall performance. His ability to facilitate and score remains a crucial asset.
Anthony Davis
Davis has been at the forefront of the Lakers’ defensive schemes, showcasing his shot-blocking and rebounding capabilities. Consistency in his health will be key.
Young Prospects
Max Christie and Jalen Hood-Schifino, in particular, have impressed with their confidence and skill sets, suggesting a bright future for the franchise.
Practical Tips for Fans
- Stay Updated: Follow the Lakers’ official social media accounts and websites to stay informed about player conditions and game changes.
- Engage with Community: Participate in fan forums and discussions to share insights and predictions about the season.
- Watch the Games: Tune in to the games to see how the preseason strategies evolve into regular-season tactics.
Case Studies: Previous Preseason Trends
Historically, the Lakers have seen varied success during the preseason. For instance, in the 2021-2022 season, early struggles led to significant adjustments that culminated in a playoff appearance. Learning from past experiences will be vital for the current roster.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Fans have expressed a mix of optimism and skepticism based on the preseason results. While some are excited about the young talent, others are concerned about the team’s shooting woes and overall consistency. Engaging with fan polls and social media can provide insights into broader sentiments around the team’s prospects.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason has been a revealing experience, showcasing both the potential and the pitfalls of this year’s squad. As they prepare for the regular season, focusing on improvement in key areas will be essential for translating preseason learning into success on the court.
