Doncic already looks sharp, Redick: “He’s in great shape physically”
Luka Doncic opens with 21 points in 16 minutes and gives coach Redick plenty to smile about: the work he put in over the summer is already showing on the court
21 points in just 16 minutes, but for JJ Redick the most interesting part of Luka Doncic’s first appearance of the season is not even what shows up in the box score. The Lakers’ new leader reported to training camp in completely different shape, and the work he put in over the summer is already starting to show on the court.
The Lakers opened the preseason with a convincing 127-103 win over the Sacramento Kings, with Doncic immediately taking center stage: 21 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 steals, despite 5 turnovers that also suggest a player still searching for game rhythm.
Redick, however, sounds very pleased with what he has seen so far.
Physically, he’s in great shape. He worked like crazy all summer to get himself back in shape, and this time he really ran. He did sprints and things like that. He came into training camp in fantastic condition
JJ Redick
His preparation was also structured differently than in the past. Doncic played less five-on-five basketball during the summer, focusing more on physical conditioning, and now the Lakers’ goal is to gradually bring him toward the best possible shape.
Every day during training camp, we’ve seen him find more and more rhythm. That’s the goal of preseason: build game conditioning and continue to find his offensive rhythm
JJ Redick
Not just Doncic: the Lakers run and defend
The first outing also gave Redick some interesting answers beyond No. 77. The Lakers forced 27 total turnovers, 16 in the first half alone, often turning defensive pressure into easy opportunities at the other end.
It was the kind of aggressiveness the coach had asked for during training camp and, at least for one night, it showed immediately.
The defense carried over from the practice gym to the game. We forced 27 turnovers, 16 in the first half. I know it’s preseason, but the Lakers hadn’t done something like that since 2000. That ability to disrupt the opponent that we talked about showed up
JJ Redick
Then there were the 20 made three-pointers, more than Los Angeles had hit in any game last season. That number also ties into another encouraging sign: the ball kept moving, even when Doncic was on the bench.
We did a great job of always looking for the right play and not letting the ball stick. Even when Luka wasn’t on the floor, we were able to create a lot of good shots. Forcing turnovers helped our offense, and the guys kept making the right play to help their teammates
JJ Redick
The result against Sacramento matters relatively little. The early signs are much more interesting: Doncic already looks to be in great shape, and these Lakers want to run, move the ball and disrupt a lot more possessions defensively. For a first outing, Redick can be satisfied.