JJ Redick was pleased with the Los Angeles Lakers’ defensive intensity and ball movement after their preseason opener, particularly the way their work in practice carried over into a 127-103 win over the Sacramento Kings.
The Lakers forced 27 turnovers, including 16 in the first half, while building a 73-47 halftime lead. Redick highlighted the defensive disruption as one of the clearest positives from the game.
“The defense carried over. I think we had 16 turnovers forced in the first half, early possession, shot clock violation, 27 overall,” Redick said. “I know it’s a preseason game. First time since 2000 the Lakers have done that. So clearly that disruption that we talked about carried over.”
Redick also praised the Lakers’ offensive execution, noting that their defensive success helped create opportunities on the other end.
“We were able to score the basketball. I thought we did a good job throughout the game of just making the right play and passing the ball and not having it stick,” he said.
The Lakers shot 50% from the field and made 20 of 44 three-point attempts. Luka Doncic led the way with 21 points in 16 minutes, while Quentin Grimes added 16 points and Ziaire Williams scored 13 on perfect 3-of-3 shooting from deep.
Redick pointed to the connection between the Lakers’ defense and offense throughout the game.
“The defense, you know, being able to force turnovers helped our offense. Getting stops helped our offense,” he said. “Our guys did a good job overall with our running patterns.”
He also highlighted a transition sequence that resulted in a three-pointer for Sandro Mamukelashvili, emphasizing the team-first approach he wants to establish.
“We just consistently just did the right play, and the right play helped our teammates,” Redick said.
Defensively, Redick was particularly encouraged by the performance of the Lakers’ wings. Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams started alongside Doncic, Grimes and Kevon Looney and helped establish the tone early.
“I thought all the wings were really good. Ziaire and Matisse, they kind of set the tone early for us,” Redick said.
Sacramento rookie Darius Acuff Jr. scored 19 points, but Redick was comfortable with the types of shots he made.
“I know Acuff made some middies, but those are the rear view contest middies or shots that we’re willing to give up over the course of four quarters,” Redick explained. “So we weren’t necessarily going to overreact to that.”
Communication was another area Redick singled out as important to the Lakers’ defensive performance.
“Just overall, the communication, that’s one thing that we’ve emphasized a lot in our small group workout before training camp and throughout training camp,” he said.
Redick felt that communication allowed the Lakers to play with greater physicality and confidence.
“I thought overall most groups out there did a great job of communicating both in transition and in the half court. And that led to our physicality as well because guys were confident.”
