The Los Angeles Lakers lacked something last season despite finishing third in the Western Conference. The Lakers were sent packing in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Coach JJ Redick shared what was missing from the team’s chemistry, which they will correct this upcoming campaign.
Speaking to reporters, including The Orange Country Register’s Khobe Price, after Saturday’s practice, Redick opened up about the lack of small interactions last season. The second-year coach has established to his current roster that it’s important to have small talks between plays, which he described as “championship communication.”
“To me, the best teams, the best groups, the best organizations in any field, small interactions are so important. And how many small interactions can you have in a game? You should have thousands. ‘Good screen. Good job. Good pass. I got you next time.’ That’s what we’re starting to see from our group. We weren’t great with that last year. That’s part of our championship communication. That stuff is happening in real time, and we’re really happy with the progress (we’ve) made. Still got a ways to go, but it’s happening,” Redick said.
The Lakers’ chemistry was affected by the Luka Doncic trade in February. With a full offseason to prepare, Redick is confident about what his team can do this season.
Luka Doncic’s Message To His Lakers’ Teammates
The Los Angeles Lakers are going to be without LeBron James in the early parts of the regular season due to sciatica. James has been ruled out for at least three to four weeks as he recovers from the nerve pain injury that has affected him since late July or early August, as per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Luka Doncic had a clear message to his teammates amid the absence of their legendary player. It’s all about stepping up for the team and the next man up mentality.
“It’s a big change. He’s a great player. He can help us a lot, but at the end of the day, our mentality needs to be next man up. We got a group of guys (who) have been practicing, and hopefully, LeBron can join us as soon as possible. We are going to obviously need him. But our mentality has got to be next man up. That’s it,” Doncic said.
Lakers’ Projected Starting Lineup
Due to LeBron James’ injury, coach JJ Redick remains undecided on his starting lineup. Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton and Austin Reaves are the obvious starters, as per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart, who were reportedly battling for the final starting spot, could complete the lineup.
However, Jarred Vanderbilt has started in the first two preseason games. Vanderbilt has dealt with injuries in the past two seasons, but he entered training camp fully healthy. Even Jake LaRavia is an option because he can spread the floor and be solid defensively.
Redick has four more preseason games to mix and match his starting lineups and rotations. They are scheduled to begin the regular season on October 21 at the Crypto.com Arena against the Golden State Warriors.
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