The Lakers are like Bambi learning to walk in its first season under a new green coach. They lost 111-97 to the Warriors today, the third straight preseason loss, and some flaws became glaring. JJ Redick got real about the execution of all their plays after the defeat after he took charge in a crucial moment. The new coach tapped into Anthony Davis to redeem the Lakers but it just wasn’t enough. Some of that frustration poured out in the post-game presser.

After the Lakers’ disappointing shooting rate tonight, Redick said he was “highly encouraged” with the hsots. Where it went downhill was, “When we didn’t trust our offense and got a little stagnant, ball-stuck.”

Referring to the third quarter, he said, “AD had eight on four straight possessions in iso-ball, which I called those plays. ‘Cuz he hadn’t touched it, I mean that was just… we didn’t play good offense that quarter.”

While he’s yet to review the game, he admits that the passing was great and they need to work on the execution. They have a week of the preseason to overcome that before the 2024-25 season kicks off. But when doubts were cast on if the Lakers are ready for the regular season, JJ said twice, “We’re ready.” And he told anyone listening, “Just continue to build trust in what we’re doing.” 

Redick’s recent focus has been very Brow-shaped. After stating he wants to “empower” AD more, he explained on Monday how he plans to utilize him on the court. “It’s our job to empower him on both sides of the basketball to have a monster year. And I thought he had a monster year last year. But I think the way we want to play, he’s gonna be featured like he always is, but he’s also gonna be hopefully perpetually involved.It’s our job to empower him on both sides of the basketball to have a monster year. And I thought he had a monster year last year. But I think the way we want to play, he’s gonna be featured like he always is, but he’s also gonna be hopefully perpetually involved.” So far, he’s pushing AD into that position starting from the preseason.

Anthony Davis shines in a disappointing show

This marked the return of the Lakers to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in a year. But it was not the same team that won the inaugural 2023 NBA Cup here. The Lakers went 34 out of 96 from the field. Truthfully the Warriors weren’t that great either, 44-96 from the field, just a little better than their opponents.

Anthony Davis finished with a game-high 24 points, 11 of which he made in a strong offensive showing in the first half. He added 12 rebounds and 2 assists to that statline. When Redick felt that the team wasn’t going through AD, he pushed and Davis showed another dominant performance in the second half. He also had a cool alley-oop to Jaxson Hayes who made a bucket.

Redick got the younger squad, including Bronny out in the final quarter, which didn’t really give any lead. The Warriors however rallied to regain a lead each time.

He now has to go back to the drawing board before the Lakers meet the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. Perhaps redemption is on the cars when they play against the Dubs again on Friday.

But fans are still waiting for any signs that the Lakers are ready for opening night when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves next Tuesday.