As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for the regular season, early preseason games have already offered a glimpse into the team’s evolving identity. With a revamped defensive core, emerging supporting players, and some growing pains among the younger roster members, the Lakers are showcasing both promise and areas that require immediate attention.
From the veteran leadership of newly acquired stars to the sophomore challenges faced by Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, this preseason has highlighted what could define the team’s success—or struggles—once the games start to count.
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Takeaway 1: Revamped Lakers Defense Shows Promise
The Lakers’ defense is at the forefront this season, with eyes on starting center Deandre Ayton. After three preseason games, Ayton has looked solid protecting the paint and cleaning up boards, averaging just over seven rebounds a contest. His production as the defensive anchor this season can make it or break it for the team, but so far looks good.
Complementing this, Jarred Vanderbilt has played great after a full offseason to recover from surgeries to both feet. Using his length and athleticism to disrupt defenders, he has brought back the spark the team needed. But he hasn’t just gone back to his old self; Vanderbilt appears to have improved offensively through three games. Shooting more threes with confidence and a few off the dribble jumpers, it appears he has been putting in work during the time off.
The final piece of this new-look defense is expected to make his debut in Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns. Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, instantly adds a top-tier perimeter defender and grit that the Lakers’ defense has craved. After many seasons playing for arch-rival Boston Celtics, Smart seeks to win over hearts in LA.
Takeaway 2: Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura Looking Sharp
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Without superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic in the lineup, the Lakers have leaned heavily on their supporting cast this preseason. Both Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura have been sharp, displaying high-efficiency scoring and floor spacing that will be vital to the team’s success.
Reaves has continued his upward trajectory as he approaches his fifth season in the league. Scoring 20.5 points in his two appearances, Reaves appears quicker and has been more efficient in the early going. His ability to run the offense as a primary ball-handler has unlocked new dimensions in his game, something worth monitoring as the season unfolds.
Hachimura has been utilizing his size in the paint this preseason. His ability to find rhythm down low early on has opened up his three-point shot as games play out. Hachimura has also been highly active on defense. His ability to switch and solid help defense was displayed during his appearances.
Takeaway 3: Sophomore Struggles
For both Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, the sophomore struggles have been all too real.
After showing positive signs in his rookie year, including a memorable nine three-pointer performance against the Utah Jazz, Knecht has looked rocky since the mid-season trade reversal. Offensively, he’s lacked consistency, but his real struggles have surfaced on the defensive end. Knecht appears lost at times, giving up too many easy buckets to opponents. Until he shows improvement on that end of the floor, it will be difficult for the Lakers to work him into the regular rotation.
Similar to Kenecht, James showed flashes of potential, particularly in the G-League last season. Averaging 21.9 points for the South Bay Lakers, many were hopeful he could earn minutes on the big squad this year. Through three games, however, it is clear that James still has lots to improve on. Despite occasional athletic flashes, he remains inconsistent. He’s also been tasked with ball-handling duties that haven’t played to his strengths, a questionable decision that falls on the coaching staff to reassess.