Lakers Face Preseason Challenges with Key Players Injured
Despite nearing the regular season, the Lakers grapple with player availability and fundamental issues like ball security and defensive rebounding.
With their regular season opener against the Warriors on Oct. 21 approaching, the Los Angeles Lakers are prioritizing player health in the final week of preseason. Several key players remain sidelined or have limited availability, posing challenges as the team works to refine its play.
Walker Kessler, the Lakers' significant free-agency acquisition, is nearing a return and could make his preseason debut against the Warriors on Tuesday in Las Vegas. The 7-foot-2 center has been out due to an injury to his left pinky finger but participated in practice on Sunday.
Collin Sexton's status for the remaining preseason games is uncertain as he recovers from a lower leg injury. Coach JJ Redick indicated that Sexton is further behind Kessler in his recovery. Ziaire Williams, who is competing for a starting position, is dealing with a foot contusion and has only played in one preseason game.
Beyond player availability, the Lakers have identified areas needing significant improvement in their final two exhibition games. Ball security has been a notable concern, with the team's 22.3% turnover rate ranking 28th among all teams during the preseason. Key ball-handlers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are contributing to this issue, alongside other players like Jaden Hardy, Quentin Grimes, Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, and Sandro Mamukelashvili. Coach Redick has acknowledged that unfamiliar lineups and a lack of organized offensive sets contribute to these turnovers, but emphasized the need for greater care with the ball.
Defensive rebounding has also been an area of struggle for the Lakers. Their preseason defensive rebounding percentage of 61.6% ranks 27th in the league. The absence of Kessler has highlighted this weakness. Redick noted the importance of having larger wings on the court for rebounding purposes and acknowledged the need to improve boxing out and gang rebounding when key players are off the floor.
While the Lakers are generating desired shots, particularly when Doncic and Reaves are playing, their effectiveness is hampered by turnovers. The team is also working to improve its defensive rebounding, aiming for better performance on the glass even without their starting center on the court for extended periods.