Key takeaways from Lakers preseason game against Suns

Key takeaways from Lakers preseason game against Suns https://t.co/oeO5qUH3YS

— LakerTom (@LakerTom) October 8, 2024

Let’s explore the key takeaways from L.A.’s preseason matchup versus the Suns.

Offense

Redick has made it clear that he envisions Anthony Davis as the “hub” of the Lakers’ offense. During Sunday’s preseason game, Redick revealed some of the new actions he’s implemented.

In the 2023-24 season, Davis averaged 8.9 paint touches per game — nearly double his elbow touches — primarily working out of the post or scoring off dives and rolls to the rim. However, against the Suns, he dominated the ball from the top of the key. Davis showcased his midrange jumper, attacked seams in the defense with drives to the basket and, most importantly, acted as a playmaker, finding James, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura on cuts to the rack. Davis finished with an efficient 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting along with three assists, leading to a game-high +15 rating.

In a notable shift from last season, it appears that Redick might plan to utilize Reaves as the Lakers’ primary point guard over D’Angelo Russell. In the 2023-24 season under Darvin Ham, Russell typically brought the ball up the court and initiated the offense, but in L.A.’s first two preseason games, Reaves has taken on that responsibility more frequently. He led the team with seven assists in Friday’s game against the Timberwolves and again topped the Lakers with seven dimes in their matchup with the Suns.

Defense

There haven’t been many noticeable defensive adjustments in the Lakers’ first two preseason games. On Sunday, with L.A.’s full starting lineup on the floor in the first half, Davis continued to play drop coverage, similar to last year. He prioritized protecting the paint against drives to the rim rather than jumping out on perimeter shooters.

In 2023-24, the Lakers ranked 19th in the NBA in opponents’ offensive rebounding, an area Redick has emphasized during the preseason. L.A.’s new head coach has gone on record stating that he wants Hachimura to be more active on the boards, limiting second and third chances for opposing squads. So far, Hachimura appears to have taken the message to heart, showing noticeable improvement on the defensive glass by grabbing a team-high eight rebounds in Sunday’s game.