Three Key Takeaways From Lakers Preseason
The Lakers begin the 2022–23 NBA season tomorrow night against the Warriors. After an interesting offseason with a (largely) encouraging training camp, fans are left to look forward to 82 games of the LakeShow.
Here are some crucial takeaways from the team’s preseason, and what it could mean for the road ahead.
Supporting Cast Looking Solid
One of the most important aspects of preseason was how great everyone not named LeBron, AD, or Russ looked…for the most part.
Kendrick Nunn made his return to the court for the first time in over a year, and he was in a groove the whole time. He showed his perimeter prowess, ability to facilitate on offense, nifty handles and crafty finishing — all while making timely defensive plays that Ham emphasized time and again. He has the makings of either a starting two-guard or perfect sixth man.
Lonnie Walker IV also turned some heads, showing his shooting touch with a mix of great passes and tight on-ball defense. He particularly showed some improvement with his three-point shooting, going 3-for-6 from deep against the Warriors. He also notched 10 points in his debut against the Wolves and 12 against the Sacramento Kings. Though he is currently sidelined with an ankle sprain, there is no doubt that he will be a key contributor for them this season.
There were other Lakers who showed flashes of potential. Matt Ryan, who erupted for 20 points with six threes against the Warriors last week, made the 15-man roster and has added to the team’s wing depth. Austin Reaves showed promises as a combo guard with his enhanced playmaking abilities and looks to have an increased role next year. And Wenyen Gabriel worked on his frame and showed his prowess in shot-blocking and rim-running, skills that will be vital in a group of young, athletic hoopers.
It’s role players like them who will have a small-but-mighty role next to LeBron, AD, and Westbrook, and now it’s time for them to show it.
Ham’s Habits are Showing
The preseason has also been a great time for fans and media alike to become more acquainted with Darvin Ham. Throughout training camp, Ham’s philosophies were on full display, from competition in scrimmages to a return to the fast-paced offense that the Lakers have been known for. He has also made it a point to release some starting lineups earlier than usual, with the latest reports claiming that opening night starters will be revealed today.
Ham’s ideologies have also shown in games, for better or worse. On one hand, it is refreshing to see a more organized offense with plays that maximize the group’s potential. However, the team’s defense was inconsistent at best — particularly in the half court — which does not bode well with more dynamic offenses around the league that excel within 47 feet.
Another idea of his that fans have rolled eyes over is his four-guard lineups with AD at the five. Russ, Nunn, Pat Bev, Walker IV, and Davis on the floor is not what anyone expected to see as an experiment, and hopefully, it does not carry over into the regular season. Sure, Ham had to make-do with what he had given injuries, but there are better solutions (and there will be more) once everyone gets fully healthy (fingers crossed).
Westbrook Situation is Not Over
Finally, the Westbrook drama has lingered like a dark cloud, and it doesn’t appear to be going away soon. There were two videos that emerged on Twitter last week, initially pointing to signs that all is, in fact, not well between Russ and his teammates:
Russ eventually cleared things up during his media availability the next game. He noted that he’s always ran to the bench pregame and this time was nothing different. In reference to the mid-game huddle, he said he was protesting a call with the ref, who refused to acknowledge him.
Despite Westbrook clearing his name, it appears the rumors around him are still here. A few days ago, it was reported that the Lakers had planned on trading Russ before signing Dennis Schröder (via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin):
“The Lakers originally planned to have found a trade partner for Westbrook before signing Schroder, sources said. But after the point guard’s strong showing for Germany in the FIBA EuroBasket tournament generated interest around the league, L.A. signed him before another team could.”
Now, Woj is reporting that the Lakers will be re-engaging teams on a potential Westbrook deal, with a hope of moving him at the deadline.
All of this talk has added a distraction to a season filled with plenty of noise. It’s up to the players and staff to respond accordingly before the front office makes a move that could make or break the season.
