The question raised Lakers coach JJ Redick to say he “wasn't belligerent” in his response.
To the question if Lakers missing out on opportunities to practice more and strengthen chemistry on the court due to the busy six-game preseason schedule, Redick quickly questioned why reporters were so concerned about the situation.
“You guys really harp on that,” Redick responded.
So, Redick was asked: is it a thing or not a thing?
“I'm not aggressive right now,” Redick said. “I just want to acknowledge that you guys, like the last four days, have kind of gotten a little obsessive with all these questions about missed opportunities. So, I'll answer it again. These are the cards we've been dealt. I'm sure I'd like to see everyone healthy.”
Taking advantage of the situation, the Lakers held off the Golden State Warriors. 126-116 Sunday night at the Crypto.com Arena, despite not playing with LeBron James (sciatica), Luka Doncic And Marcus Smart (Achilles tendinopathy).
Redick said Smart plans to “get two games [in] This week.”
The Lakers have three preseason games remaining: Tuesday at Phoenix, Wednesday in Las Vegas against the Dallas Mavericks and Friday against the visiting Sacramento Kings – four games in six days.
Redick was reminded that the Lakers as an organization had decided to play six preseason games, the maximum allowed by the NBA.
“I think that’s something that needs to be discussed in the future,” Redick said. “I think it's awesome. Really, because we get to play in Palm Springs, and I think it's great that we get to play in Vegas, and I understand that there are Lakers fans around the world who may not have the opportunity to see us play.”
“You hope that in the future we can find some balance to have more time to train and less time to travel. I'm sure at some point we will be one of the teams going overseas, so that adds another scenario.”
Lakers guard Bronny James, foreground, and Golden State forward Trayce Jackson-Davis battle for a rebound during the first half of the Lakers' 126-116 preseason win Sunday at Crypto.com Arena.
(Jae S. Hong/Associated Press)
Redick said that for training camp purposes, practice is generally more helpful in team building than preseason games.
“I think more practice would be helpful,” Redick said. “I do think getting to know the game situation and playing against an opponent is very helpful. You don't have a lot of days anymore trying to squeeze six games in there. [and] Four games in six nights, it’s very difficult.”
Against the Warriors on Sunday Austin Reeves (21 points), Dalton Knecht (16), Rui Hachimura (16) and Deandre Ayton (14 points, eight rebounds, five assists) were at their peak.
For Ayton, who went six of eight from the field and had a blocked shot, the joy came from the fans cheering him on. Of course, it was just a preseason game, but Ayton loved the atmosphere and the positive energy he felt.
Ayton played at the Crypto.com Arena for the first time since signing his contract. two-year contract worth $16.6 million with the Lakers.
“The thing that hit me today throughout the arena was hearing the fans and everyone cheering,” Ayton said. “It was an unusual sound, apart from the whistling… Everyone showed love and welcomed me to Los Angeles. I played so freely and had a lot of fun.”
