Lakers’ preseason uneven but ‘encouraging,’ JJ Redick says

There’s something worth watching with the Lakers beyond whether they win or lose these preseason games.

Khobi Price of the California Post points to their defensive approach and some changes in how they use Luka Doncic as encouraging early signs, even after a strong showing against the Kings gave way to a rough night against the Warriors.

As Price notes, those weren’t remotely the same Lakers lineups. Doncic, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle and Collin Sexton all sat out against Golden State.

The Sacramento game offered a better look at what Los Angeles is trying to establish.

Price highlighted the full-court pressure from Williams, Thybulle, Quentin Grimes, Jake LaRavia and Adou Thiero, along with increased physicality that helped create deflections and turnovers.

“Especially with Matisse and Ziaire, [the defense at the beginning] of the game [against the Kings], that’s contagious for everybody,” Doncic said, via Price. “It was inspirational.”

There are changes offensively, too. Price observed that Doncic is starting more possessions without the ball, then using teammates’ screens to get involved.

Kessler’s absence has prevented a look at the rim protection the Lakers acquired him to provide. Reaves and Sexton will add ballhandling options when available.

That leaves plenty to evaluate. But Price’s larger point is that the early emphasis offers more insight than the uneven results.

“You can look at any game, or any practice, and find good stuff to build on,” coach JJ Redick said. “So, yes, it’s encouraging.”