"Not focused right now on the opponent" - JJ Redick outlines Lakers' preseason approach ahead of Suns clash
LA Lakers coach JJ Redick shared his preseason approach ahead of their second game against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday at the Acrisure Arena. Redick lost his first game in charge on Friday, 124-107 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis sitting out.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Redick was asked about the team's performance against Minnesota, especially the way his players used the screen. He doesn't worry about the game results and opponents, as his priority is to help the team get organized.
"We're not focused right now on the opponent," Redick said. "I think when you play a team like Minnesota, there's a specific emphasis you have to make on your screens in terms of our four screening options.
"We didn't emphasize that in the pregame meeting. That's on us. But we're more focused on what we're doing versus the opponent right now. [H/T Jovan Buha of The Athletic]
The LA Lakers didn't have LeBron James and Anthony Davis for their preseason opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards was also absent, but that didn't prevent Minnesota from getting a double-digit lead after the first quarter.
Austin Reaves looked phenomenal in 25 minutes, finishing with 16 points, five rebounds and seven assists. D'Angelo Russell had 14 points and three assists, while rookie Dalton Knecht scored 16 points off the bench.
Bronny James had two points, a rebound and an assist in 16 minutes, with JJ Redick praising the second-round pick for his defense.
"He can do some things defensively at his size that are really unique and I think can turn into a really disruptive defender. That manifested itself," Redick said.
Bronny James has a chance to finally play with his father LeBron on Sunday when the Lakers and the Suns face off at the Acrisure Arena in Riverside County, California.
JJ Redick shares update on Anthony Davis and LeBron James ahead of Suns game
The LA Lakers gave Anthony Davis and LeBron James added rest to start the preseason, given that both players suited up for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Reporters asked JJ Redick about the availability of both players for Sunday's game, and he confirmed that they are going to play.
Redick also explained why he couldn't wait for Davis and James to play for him. He's also excited that his planned starting five for the regular season will finally get a run together against the Phoenix Suns.
"Yeah, it'll be great for us. You know, we've mixed some lineups during practices and not just had purple versus gray, where it's strictly just the starters. So, you know, we've had different groups play, and we'll do that again tomorrow, but it'll be good for those five guys to get some run together," Redick said.
The Lakers have four more preseason games after Sunday's contest before opening the campaign at home against the new-look Minnesota Timberwolves.