The Lakers' Big Three: A Tale of Chemistry and Caution
In a highly anticipated preseason game, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Golden State Warriors, but the outcome was not what fans had hoped for. With their star trio of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves sidelined, the Lakers fell short, losing 111-103. But here's where it gets controversial: the absence of these key players raises questions about team strategy and player management.
The Lakers entered training camp with high hopes, aiming to establish a strong bond between their stars. However, the trio's absence from the court together has left fans and analysts wondering about their progress. On Sunday, all three remained on the bench, leaving the team without its top offensive threats.
Doncic, resting after EuroBasket duties, and James, dealing with glute issues, were already out. Reaves, who had an intense first week of camp, was also given a break. Despite this, the Lakers found some bright spots. Guard Gabe Vincent, returning from injury, impressed with 16 points and five assists. Center Deandre Ayton also contributed, scoring seven points and grabbing seven rebounds.
And this is the part most people miss: the Lakers' preseason performance goes beyond the final score. With their stars out, the team is using these games to evaluate and build. Coach JJ Redick emphasized the need for better organization and physicality, especially in getting open and setting screens. He believes these "championship habits" are crucial for success.
The Lakers have a week to practice before their next preseason game, a home match against the Warriors on October 12th. Redick expects Doncic to play before the season officially begins on October 21st, but the status of LeBron James remains uncertain. Entering his 23rd NBA season, James is on a slower ramp-up schedule, a cautious approach by the team.
Similarly, the Warriors took a conservative approach with their aging superstars. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler III, and Al Horford all played limited minutes, with Curry still managing to score 14 points in just 15 minutes. This cautious strategy highlights the delicate balance between player health and team performance.
Redick acknowledges the challenge of evaluating his team without his top stars. He seeks improvements in early offense, pace, and physicality. "Championship habits" are key, and he'll be watching for players sprinting back on defense.
The Lakers' transition defense needs work, as they were outscored 23-5 in that category on Sunday. With four preseason games remaining, the team has time to fine-tune and build those championship habits.
So, what do you think? Is the Lakers' cautious approach justified, or should they be pushing their stars harder? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
