Lakers Aim to Sharpen Rebounding and Ball Security in Preseason Finale

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to face the Denver Nuggets in their final preseason game at Crypto.com Arena, aiming to address persistent issues with defensive rebounding and ball security before the regular season commences.

Despite the approaching season opener on Oct. 21, the Lakers have not yet had an opportunity to play with their preferred full roster, a situation coach JJ Redick is not dwelling on. "Can't control it, so it's not even a concern," Redick stated. "Play the guys you can play."

Optimism for a healthier team is growing, as Ziaire Williams fully participated in practice on Thursday after recovering from left foot swelling. Luka Doncic also practiced without limitations, having been rested for the previous game against the Warriors. This suggests the Lakers may field their intended starting lineup for the first time in the preseason against the Nuggets.

However, even with a more complete roster, the team must demonstrate improvement in two critical areas: defensive rebounding and ball security. Both have been identified as significant struggles throughout the preseason.

"I'd like us to do a better job taking care of the basketball, and I'd like us to do a better job on the defensive glass," Redick commented. He added that the team is focusing on heightened awareness for offensive organization within certain groups and making simple plays, rather than forcing actions. Defensively, the team conducted three box-out drills in Thursday's practice, highlighting it as a point of emphasis moving forward.

The statistics underscore the need for improvement. Entering Thursday's games, the Lakers held the third-worst defensive rebounding rate (63.1%) and the second-worst turnover rate (24.1%) among all preseason teams. The team recorded 30 turnovers in their recent game against the Warriors, despite prior emphasis on reducing giveaways.

"Just like a bunch of new guys," said Quentin Grimes, referencing the team's ball security issues. "You don't know where guys might cut, guys might spot up, you don't know guys' tendencies right now... So guys are just trying to figure out a rhythm, but once we get that rhythm and the spacing and stuff like that, it'll calm down, for sure."

The return of Walker Kessler provided some assistance on the defensive glass in his limited minutes against the Warriors. The presence of Williams, the team's second-tallest player at 6-foot-10, is also expected to bolster rebounding efforts.

"It just takes all five of us to gang rebound," Williams noted. "Especially when [Kessler's] not in. We just gotta do a better job of just wanting it a little bit more. We'll get there."