Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick focused on teamwork and player development after his team’s 126–116 preseason victory over the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
Redick emphasized the balanced playmaking effort that led to 28 team assists, noting that no single player dominated the ball. “There wasn’t a player that really dominated in terms of assists or time on the ball and we ended up with 28 assists. That was good,” he said.
However, Redick pointed out the need for improvement in ball security. “Didn’t love how we took care of the basketball,” he added, mentioning that some of the turnover issues stemmed from rotations without Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James on the court together.
The coach also praised his team’s defensive energy early in the game but admitted transition defense remains a concern. “Our hand activity in the first half was awesome,” Redick said. “Still don’t love our general transition defense… we’re lacking a little bit of urgency to get back after makes and get matched up.”
Redick confirmed that Reaves, who briefly left the game after a collision with Brandin Podziemski, avoided serious injury. “I think he just got a knee to his lower leg muscle. I think he’s fine,” Redick said.
The 27-year-old guard impressed with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting, continuing the strong play that Redick has seen throughout training camp. “In practice, he did some things off the bounce… he just kind of got wherever he wanted,” Redick explained, crediting Reaves for adding new elements to his offensive approach.
Redick also discussed Deandre Ayton’s performance, as the center contributed 14 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. “He was really good in the pocket tonight,” Redick said. “We just got some really good stuff when he got the ball at the elbow.”
The coach highlighted the developing chemistry between Reaves and Ayton in the pick-and-roll. “DA is really good in terms of reading what the ball handler’s defender is doing… he’s made a concerted effort to get Austin open,” Redick noted.
Second-year guard Dalton Knecht earned praise as well after scoring 16 points, including three three-pointers. “He let the game come to him offensively,” Redick said. “Offensively he’s had the best of any person on our team in camp.”
With the preseason win, the Lakers improved to 1–2, while the Warriors dropped to 2–1.
