Are the Lakers Sacrificing Team Chemistry for Preseason Exposure? JJ Redick Weighs In
The Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason schedule has sparked a heated debate, and head coach JJ Redick isn’t shying away from addressing it—though he’s clearly growing weary of the repetitive questions. When pressed about whether the team’s packed six-game preseason slate is hindering their on-court chemistry, Redick didn’t hold back. “You guys are really harping on this,” he remarked, almost exasperated, during a recent press conference. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is the Lakers’ decision to maximize preseason games—the most allowed by the NBA—a strategic move or a missed opportunity for crucial practice time? And this is the part most people miss: Redick acknowledges the dilemma but remains pragmatic. “These are the cards that we were dealt,” he said, emphasizing the importance of player health over the debate. Yet, he didn’t dismiss the concern entirely, suggesting it’s a topic worth revisiting in the future.
Despite the challenges, the Lakers managed to secure a 126-116 win over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena, even without key players like LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Marcus Smart. With three more preseason games on the horizon—including stops in Phoenix, Las Vegas, and a home game against the Sacramento Kings—the team’s schedule is undeniably demanding. Redick, however, sees the silver lining in the exposure these games provide, particularly for fans who rarely get to see the Lakers live. “It’s awesome that we get to play in places like Palm Springs and Vegas,” he noted, while also admitting the need for balance between games and practice time.
Here’s the kicker: Redick openly admits that for training camp purposes, practice is more valuable for team building than preseason games. “More practices would be beneficial,” he stated, adding that cramming six games into a short period is “significantly difficult.” This raises a thought-provoking question: Are the Lakers prioritizing fan engagement and revenue over optimal team preparation? Or is this just the reality of modern NBA scheduling?
In their third preseason game, the Lakers showcased their depth, with standout performances from Austin Reaves (21 points), Dalton Knecht (16), Rui Hachimura (16), and Deandre Ayton (14 points, eight rebounds, five assists). Meanwhile, Redick confirmed that Marcus Smart is expected to play in two games this week as part of his return-to-play plan.
As the Lakers navigate this busy preseason, the debate over chemistry versus exposure rages on. What do you think? Is the NBA’s preseason structure flawed, or are the Lakers making the most of a challenging situation? Let us know in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!
