The Lakers are entering the regular season with a lot of new pieces, and JJ Redick is already testing out how far he can push the group on defense.
Los Angeles opens the 2026-27 season on Oct. 21 against the visiting Golden State Warriors, and one of the biggest questions around this reshaped roster is whether the defense can come together fast enough. Through the first three preseason games, the Lakers have already shown some encouraging signs on that end.
Redick even mixed in some zone defense during the win over the Sacramento Kings earlier this week, despite the team not having practiced it. That alone suggests the head coach is willing to get creative if it helps the Lakers build a defensive identity early.
The early returns have looked especially strong with Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams on the floor.
The one major piece still waiting to be fully evaluated is Walker Kessler. The 25-year-old center has missed the first three preseason games because of a finger injury, so the Lakers still haven’t seen the full picture with him anchoring the front line.
Redick has said the injury is not considered serious and that Kessler will play in a preseason game, but he would not say whether that will happen when the Lakers face the Warriors in Las Vegas on Tues. Oct. 13, via Lakers Nation.
If Kessler doesn’t go Tuesday, his last chance to get preseason run will come on Fri. Oct. 16 against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena.
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Lakers Have An Early Luka And Reaves Problem To Fix
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There is still time to clean it up, but the margin is getting thinner with roster decisions looming and the group being trimmed to 15 players before the opener. Hardy, James, Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht are among the names hovering on the bubble, and every preseason possession matters a little more when the staff is weighing fit, execution and trust. For the Lakers, the next stretch is less about flash than about showing the ball can move without leaking away. [Read more 🡒]