Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick believes the team’s shortened preseason can still provide more meaningful preparation than last season, with a greater emphasis on practice time and live action.
“We had six real practices in preseason last year. This year, we’ll have at least 12,” Redick said during Saturday’s training camp media availability. “So it’s generally just going to be a more productive preseason and training camp.”
Redick also highlighted the benefit of avoiding the early trip to Palm Springs, which previously limited the amount of practice time available. “I think just the pace of it is better,” he said, while noting that the Lakers will still face a demanding stretch of three games in four nights next week.
With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves expected to lead the Lakers following LeBron James’ departure, Redick said the team is expanding its offensive packages rather than relying heavily on the “utility plays” used when Doncic, Reaves and James shared the floor.
“We’ll have our set play packaging and already put in one of Luka’s plays,” Redick said. “Ran that to death in our scrimmage today and scored every time.”
The Lakers will also have individual packages for their primary players. “We’ll have a package for each guy,” Redick said. “I think overall, the goal is just a little more variance right now in early offense.”
Redick also believes daily competition in practice can help the Lakers’ best offensive players. Matisse Thybulle, in particular, has been challenging Doncic and Reaves defensively.
“It’s going to make Austin and AR better when Ziaire is picking them up full court every possession and Matisse is in the passing lane trying to blow things up,” Redick said. “Those guys are gonna get better from practicing that way and it goes both ways.”
Conditioning remains another major focus. Redick said the Lakers have incorporated live play, transition drills and conditioning work while also planning individualized programs throughout the season.
“It’s a big thing that we talked about with Keith when he came in,” Redick said. “We’re just having a plan for each guy, regardless of how many minutes they have.”
For players who do not see preseason action, Redick said the Lakers have maintained a demanding standard. “If you don’t play in a preseason game, we’re going to kill you for 45 minutes on the court,” he said. “You’re still going to get exposure to conditioning.”
Redick also discussed the NBA’s new emphasis on offensive players using their arms to create separation. He said the Lakers want a balance between protecting offensive players and allowing defenders to compete.
“We’ve got to protect the offensive player and we’ve got to also give the defense a chance,” Redick said. “The league and the refs and the competition committee, I think, do a great job every year of trying to find that balance.”
Ultimately, Redick emphasized the importance of players who can create offense when defenses tighten in the playoffs.
“You need guys who can go get a bucket,” he said. “I think throughout the regular season, you know, we want to shoot valuable shots.”
