The Lakers enter tonight's game against the Warriors in Vegas halfway through their preseason slate. The regular season starts in a week.
So with that in mind, the sense of urgency the team has displayed through this preseason (decidedly missing a year ago) is front and center as the Lakers try to get as much installed on both sides of the ball before the real games begin and practice becomes harder to come by. JJ Redick spoke with the media in El Segundo Monday about that process, and where he thinks the Lakers stand.
It's interesting to think about what realistic targets are, in terms of how the Lakers stack up statistically. The general consensus is any team with championship aspirations needs to be in the top 10 of both O and D to have a chance. Can the lakers do that? Would 10-15 on D (with the possibility of another gear once LeBron commits to playoff level defense) and a top 5 offense be enough?
One thing many fans believe would help (and in this the team agrees, at least based on reported action) is another large body. A true center, both to play with Anthony Davis but also to take up space and help anchor the reserves. One new(ish) name popping up - Charlotte's Nick Richards. Good idea or not?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySEGMENT 1: Redick on the O and the D.
SEGMENT 2: How good can the Lakers be defensively?
SEGMENT 3: Is Nick Richards a good idea?
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