The Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up their preseason campaign with a 117-116 loss to the Sacramento Kings, which head coach JJ Redick called a “dress rehearsal” for the regular season. Luka Doncic led the Lakers’ charge, but issues lingered in the team’s play even in a strong individual performance.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha highlighted a key concern on his YouTube channel. During a video about his notes on the preseason, Buha said, “Like the lob connection with the exception of Jaxson has just not been there. They’re still figuring it out with Deandre Ayton. Both Luka and Ayton, Austin and Ayton…entry passes for guys with deep seals and stuff, like, those are getting tipped, and some of the passing can certainly be better in terms of, just like, simple reads and getting the bigs closer to the rim.”
These misreads and tipped passes left key points on the board, showing that the chemistry must be built upon throughout the regular season. Despite the issue, Buha did praise some encouraging signs in the Lakers’ offense.
“But I thought the offensive organization, the pace, the getting out in transition, the hit-ahead passes, getting into early offense…screening was a bit better, the just overall organization offensively was at a very high level in this game,” he said. The pieces for Redick’s offense are in place; they need only to learn to click consistently.
Doncic himself highlighted the team’s need to focus on defense. “In practice, we were more physical. We need to work on our physicality,” he said. To make matters worse, physical defender and backup center Jaxson Hayes had to leave for a portion of the game due to a right wrist contusion following a lob-dunk in the first.
Redick later confirmed that the Lakers X-rayed Hayes’ wrist, and the team would have an update when they practice on Saturday. Any absence from Hayes will put a lot of pressure on starting center Deandre Ayton, who previously emphasized his effort on defense.
Despite the challenges, there is tangible progress. The offensive framework has been good, pushing interior scoring and drawing fouls for free throws. Luka also performed well against the Kings, posting 31 points and 9 assists in 33 minutes, and with LeBron set to miss some time, Doncic’s production will decide how far the Lakers go.
