Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick offered insight into the team’s preparation for Tuesday’s matchup against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena.
“It was great to have him with the group… first time we’ve had all 14 guys available for a practice,” Redick said, referencing the Lakers’ full roster presence in Monday’s session.
Redick confirmed that Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura are expected to be available for the game, while the status of LeBron James and Gabe Vincent remains uncertain due to right sciatica and a left ankle sprain. “We’ll make a decision… we’ve got to see how he responds to the day and what he feels like tomorrow morning,” he explained regarding James’ potential return.
The Lakers enter the contest at 10-4, with Redick reflecting on the first month of the season. “We’ve established kind of the formula for putting ourselves in a position to win basketball games… it’s a season-long building process, and the guys have bought into that,” he said. Los Angeles recently won consecutive games against Milwaukee and New Orleans, boosting confidence ahead of the Jazz matchup.
Redick addressed how integrating LeBron into the lineup could affect rotations. “When you add somebody who… is going to play 35ish minutes, that has an effect on the rotation. There’s some continuity from last year with AR and Luka that we can build on, but you can’t anticipate whether it’s seamless or choppy.”
Luka Doncic remains the team’s centerpiece, averaging 34.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game. Austin Reaves contributes 28.3 points and 8.2 assists, while Deandre Ayton provides 16.2 points and 8.4 rebounds. Redick highlighted the importance of continuity with key players. “He’s comfortable… he’s been engaged in film and on the court in practice,” he said of LeBron’s adjustment to team dynamics.
Utah enters with injury concerns of its own, sidelining Walker Kessler, Georges Niang, John Tonje, and Oscar Tshiebwe. Lauri Markkanen leads the Jazz with 30.6 points per game, supported by Keyonte George’s 22.2 points and 7.0 assists, while Jusuf Nurkic and Kyle Filipowski provide frontcourt stability. Utah comes off a narrow double-overtime win against Chicago but followed with a loss to Atlanta.
Redick emphasized the adaptability of the Lakers’ stars, particularly LeBron. “He’s adapted throughout his career… it’s why he’s still in year 23,” Redick said.
The matchup represents the first meeting of the season between these two squads, with tip-off scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET.
