Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick called Friday night’s 117-116 defeat to the Sacramento Kings a “step in the right direction,” even though the result closed the club’s preseason at 1-5.
Redick treated the exhibition at Mortgage Matchup Center as a dress rehearsal for Opening Night on Tuesday, leaving Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and the regular rotation on the floor for most of the contest. The Lakers led much of the evening before Sacramento surged late.
Offense Shows Ball Movement
The first-year coach highlighted the team’s passing efficiency:
• 28 assists
• 10 turnovers overall, including nine dead-ball miscues and one shot-clock violation
“We should’ve had about 35 assists,” Redick said postgame. “We had a couple of Harlem Globetrotter plays when the simple play was right there, but our offensive flow and execution were good for most of the game.”
Defense Improves After Slow Start
Redick acknowledged a “not great defensive start,” yet saw progress in the middle quarters after urging players to pressure the ball. “Not perfect, but better,” he noted, pointing out that the entire starting five finished with a positive plus-minus and three starters scored in double figures. He also praised Marcus Smart for an all-around performance.
Preparing for LeBron’s Absence
With LeBron James sidelined to begin the season, Redick confirmed that Gabe Vincent will join the Game 1 starting lineup to add shooting and secondary ball-handling alongside Doncic and Deandre Ayton. “After that, I don’t know,” he said, adding that lineups could change based on matchups and health.
The Lakers have two practices remaining before opening the regular season. “We’ve done what we can with the cards we were dealt,” Redick said. “Now it’s about going out and executing.”
Source: LakersNation.com
