JJ Redick shared his insights after the Los Angeles Lakers fell 113-104 to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday at the Mortgage Matchup Center. The Lakers dropped to 1-3 in preseason play, while Phoenix improved to 3-1.
The former Duke star stressed the importance of consistent habits, adding, “if you want to be a good team, you got to do it every single time. You got to do the right thing every single time. And that’s where I don’t think any of the groups tonight were as consistent as they need to be.”
Redick discussed Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart’s preseason debut. He praised Smart’s effort, saying, “I thought Marcus was very physical and tenacious. Would have liked to have gotten him a shot at least one in in 20 minutes.” On Doncic, Redick noted, “I like what I saw from him. He did some good things… first time trying to work that partnership [with Smart].”
The Lakers’ standout performers included Doncic with 25 points on 7-of-15 shooting, four three-pointers, seven rebounds, and four assists. Austin Reaves matched Doncic’s 25 points while adding four rebounds and two assists. Deandre Ayton contributed 10 points and a team-high 13 rebounds. Marcus Smart finished with an assist and a steal in 20 minutes.
For Phoenix, Jared Butler led all scorers with 35 points and nine assists. Jordan Goodwin added 24 points, and Khaman Maluach posted 17 points and eight rebounds. The Suns surged in the third quarter, outscoring Los Angeles 33-17 and forcing 27 Lakers turnovers.
Redick also praised small on-court improvements, noting, “there was some stuff defensively on dead balls where I saw guys talking trying to fix things… Luka and AR, it’s their biggest point of development this season. Just growing as on-court leaders and off-court leaders.”
Looking ahead, Redick confirmed that several Lakers who sat out would likely play in the next preseason matchup, while decisions remain pending on minutes for stars like Doncic and Reaves.
On facing former Laker Jordan Goodwin, now with the Suns, Redick said, “I loved coaching him. He’s to me he’s an NBA player… not surprised that he was able to have a really strong offensive night.”
