Following Lakers practice on Monday, Redick reaffirmed that LeBron James’ current injury status is day to day heading into their game against the Timberwolves. The team continue to monitor his condition as they prepare for the upcoming matchup.

“LeBron was out at practice today. He was obviously present in film,” Redick said. “Everybody else was a full participant. Nothing live today except the stay ready game.”

The play where James’ elbow injury occurred came late in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers star went up for a shot around the rim that was challenged by Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. James hit the floor hard and no foul was called. He was forced to exit the game momentarily, but he eventually returned.

The influence of LeBron this season

This season, James has appeared in 44 games while averaging a little over 33 minutes per contest. He has averaged 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.1 steals, while shooting 50.4 percent from the field, 31.3 percent from the three-point line and 74.5 percent from the free-throw line.

In the hours leading up to the Lakers’ win against the Indiana Pacers last Friday, he was ruled out. James was initially listed as questionable for the team’s game against the New York Knicks on Sunday, then changed to a game-time decision before ultimately being ruled out. The Lakers have not yet released their official injury report for the Timberwolves game.

Meanwhile, the Lakers will have to rely on the play of Luka Doncic, who has been performing at a very high level. However, his production alone has not been enough to keep the entire team afloat, particularly with the widely criticized and underwhelming performance of DeAndre Ayton, who was expected to help address the defensive and interior issues the Lakers had last NBA season but has so far been a major disappointment.

James made sure to praise Doncic during his postgame media availability, labeling him as one of the NBA’s elite quarterbacks. Early in the first quarter, Doncic delivered a half-court pass that found James in stride, a sequence that helped establish the offensive rhythm the Lakers maintained throughout the night.

“One of the best quarterbacks, and I’m a pretty good receiver when it comes to that,” James said. “It’s my job not to let the defense disrupt it or steal the ball. He put it right on target and made it a lot easier for me.”

Doncic finished the night with 34 points, while James added 31, as the duo combined for 65 points. Doncic also led the Lakers with eight assists, repeatedly creating advantages with his vision and decision-making, which James highlighted as a key factor in the victory.

The chemistry between the two stars continued to stand out, especially in transition and early offense. Their ability to read defenses and capitalize on mismatches allowed the Lakers to control long stretches of the game, even when Memphis attempted to close the gap late.

JJ Redick’s concerns about the offense

Despite the win, Redick made it clear that he was not fully satisfied with the Lakers’ offensive structure. Speaking after the game, he pointed to issues with organization, noting that several plays were either not executed properly or not run at all, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

“I don’t know what else to do. It’s happening so consistently right now,” Redick said. “I chalk it up to the holidays.” His comments reflected ongoing frustration, even as the Lakers snapped a rough stretch.

The Lakers had dropped four of their previous six NBA games before the win over the Grizzlies, and Redick acknowledged that injuries and lineup instability had contributed to communication breakdowns. He referenced a recent situation in which a rotation player was unfamiliar with a basic offensive concept during live action, underscoring the learning curve the team still faced.

“We had a guy the other day who hasn’t played a lot and didn’t know what a flood was in the middle of a game,” Redick said. “When we’re not healthy, we clearly have room to grow in that area.” While the victory provided momentum, Redick’s comments suggested that refinement, not results alone, remained the Lakers’ priority moving forward.

Following their victory over the Utah Jazz, Redick addressed the media with a candid assessment regarding his players’ confidence in their shooting abilities. “I told the guys this after the game: We are literally one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA right now. I don’t think that’s who we are. We’ve got to make shots and we’ve got to shoot them with confidence,” he emphasized.

Redick’s self-criticism underscores his commitment to elevating the team, as both the front office and the fan base hold aspirations of returning the Lakers to their championship form seen in the 2019-20 season.

With the return of LeBron James and his synergy with Luka Doncic, Redick is tasked with refining strategies to maintain the fight for top positions in the Western Conference and secure a swift playoff entry this season.

Redick reflects on his coaching experience

Though his initial tenure as head coach hasn’t been seamless, Redick is determined to demonstrate his capability to lead the Lakers effectively in this regular season. When asked about the pressures of his new position, he remarked on the aging effects of the role.

“I mean, I had a lot of gray hairs when I started this job. I have more now. But also, I think you go through a rapid phase of aging right around the time you turn 40, so I probably timed this wrong,” Redick humorously noted.

Redick’s insights on Keyonte George

Although the Lakers triumphed against the Jazz, Redick addressed the impact of a standout player: Keyonte George. The Utah star was pivotal on Sunday, and Redick did not shy away from admiring his performance when speaking to the media.

“I look at him long-term as a guy who can score at all three levels because of his handle, his creativity, and his shot creation,” Redick expressed. This perspective emphasizes the importance for the Lakers to continuously refine their tactics to enhance performance as the season progresses.

The Lakers may be one of the most explosive offensive teams in the league, but Redick made it clear on Thursday that they are still far from reaching their true ceiling. After another sharp practice, Redick praised his group’s scoring ability while highlighting one glaring issue that continues to hold them back.

“We are No. 1 or No. 2 in shot quality, No. 1 in points per shot, No. 2 in field goal percentage, but we are last in turnover percentage,” Redick said, via Silver Screen and Roll. “It is the difference between having a, whatever we are, 12th offense and a top-four offense if we are just league average in turnovers.”

Despite their elite efficiency numbers, turnovers remain the Achilles’ heel for Los Angeles. Redick noted that the Lakers regularly put themselves in strong offensive positions, but careless decisions and rushed passes are preventing them from maximizing their scoring output.

Redick explains what needs to improve

Redick emphasized that the Lakers excel in nearly every offensive action, from pick-and-rolls to dribble handoffs. The team consistently generates high-quality looks and converts at an efficient rate, which only makes their turnover issue more frustrating. In Redick’s view, the problem is not related to scheme or talent—it is strictly about discipline and decision-making.

“We are top ten in every single action in terms of efficiency, whether it is on ball, off ball, dribble handoffs, pick and rolls, or isos. It does not matter. We are top ten in every action. We are just literally turning the ball over too much.”

As a top-five turnover team at 15.9 per game, the Lakers clearly have room to grow, and Redick is honing in on that weakness as the NBA season moves through mid-November. If Los Angeles can clean up its ball security, the group will be positioned for a highly successful campaign.

The Lakers have the offensive tools to overwhelm any opponent—especially now with the return of LeBron James—but unlocking that full potential will require more consistency. Redick has pinpointed the flaw that is keeping them from entering the elite tier, and now it is on the players to respond.

The Lakers began the season with a 119-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors, a game overshadowed by concerns over Doncic and Reaves, who both finished with apparent injuries. Doncic raised alarms after needing extra treatment on his right hip post-game, while Reaves suffered an ankle tweak. Against this backdrop, coach JJ Redick addressed the status of both players after Thursday’s practice.

“Luka was a full participant, Austin was a modified participant,” Redick told reporters, via ClutchPoints. “He [Austin] kind of tweaked his ankle. Yesterday was no live so he was able to do everything. Today he did everything but live. It’s not really a thing where I can say he’s going to be out a couple games or he’s going to play tomorrow. It’s simple, literally how he feels tomorrow. I know Austin, I’m gonna expect him to play”.

Losing either player would be a massive setback for the Lakers, who are already relying heavily on the duo with LeBron James sidelined due to sciatica. James is expected to miss three to four weeks, potentially sidelining him until mid-November.

Despite the loss, both Doncic and Reaves put up elite performances to shoulder the scoring load: Doncic finished with a stellar 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, while Reaves added 26 points, five rebounds, and six assists.

Redick rips persistent third-quarter woes

Beyond the injuries, Redick focused his post-game criticism on a persistent, structural problem: the team’s abysmal third-quarter performance. The Lakers entered halftime trailing the Warriors by only one point but saw their deficit balloon to 11 points by the end of the third period. Redick pointed out this trend has plagued the team since last season, carrying through the preseason.

“We continue to be a terrible third-quarter team,” Redick said. “That was last year. That was the preseason. We have to rethink some things. It is a two-way thing with the guys. They need to be ready to play after halftime”.

Reaves echoed his coach’s frustration, putting the responsibility squarely on the players to correct the flaw. “Ever since I’ve been here, we’ve had a problem with third quarters. We just have to figure out a way to come out with more energy. JJ has already talked about it. That’s on us players, not the coaches. They give us the answers, but we didn’t execute,” he told reporters.

“It’s hard to forget about LeBron. The reality is when you’re focused on the group that you have, you’ve got to make that group work,” Redick stated regarding LeBron, who is currently sidelined with a sciatica injury, leaving his return timeline uncertain for this month or the next.

Redick further emphasized LeBron’s significance to the team, explaining how his absence was felt on the court. “I’ll be honest with you, I did have one moment in that first half when we had a few possessions we couldn’t score against their zone. It’d be great to have LeBron just to throw it to in the high post,“ Redick remarked.

Given this scenario, it appears that even with Luka Doncic performing at a high level and the new additions acclimating to Redick’s game plan, the Lakers‘ true potential remains hindered without LeBron on the court.

Redick’s insights into the Lakers’ performance

Despite a valiant effort to stage a comeback, the Los Angeles Lakers faltered after the third quarter, a recurring issue that has plagued the team since last season, as noted by Redick.

“The trend I see is that we continue to struggle in the third quarter,” Redick shared with the media, expressing concerns about the Lakers’ performance. As this issue persists, the fan base is becoming increasingly anxious about the team’s prospects this season.

Redick discusses the Lakers’ Opening Night defeat

The head coach was questioned about whether the team experienced difficulties against the Warriors and if the opponents contributed to the Lakers’ loss on Opening Night.

“The fault wasn’t with Golden State; it was entirely on us,” Redick admitted to the media, accepting responsibility for the franchise’s defeat. The Warriors, led by a formidable trio in Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, executed effectively in the first matchup of the season.

Playing in the preseason, Flagg has been adjusting to the NBA level. Against the Lakers on Wednesday, he played 28 minutes, scoring 13 points with two rebounds and three assists. Lakers head coach JJ Redick was asked about Flagg’s potential on the court and comparisons to other players, but he quickly dismissed them.

“He doesn’t really remind me of anybody. I know the Grant Hill comparisons are getting thrown out a lot right now. Cooper is his own special player. His defensive instincts and playmaking ability far exceed most 18-year-olds. He’s a worker. And I expect him to develop into a really good shooter. Those are the two things that just stand out right away. He has such a feel for the game… His defensive skills and playmaking really stand out,” Redick said.

Flagg has often been compared to former Pistons forward Grant Hill due to their similar size and defensive versatility. Hill could guard multiple positions and excel both on and off the ball. Flagg has defended nearly every position, and his height makes him a key factor in rim protection.

Redick sees a connection between Flagg and Hill

Redick, like Flagg and Hill, is a Duke Blue Devils legend. Flagg and Redick are two of the seven Duke players to win the Wooden Award as national player of the year, while Grant Hill lost out to Glenn Robinson the year he was named a First Team All-American. Redick closely monitored Flagg throughout his lone season at Duke and came away very impressed.

What Kidd said about Flagg

With Flagg’s unique skill set, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd reportedly considered whether he could use the former Duke star in a role similar to Grant Hill. Hill, a highly touted Blue Devils prospect, shares some traits with this past draft’s No. 1 pick.

“Kidd saw shades of another former Duke star in Flagg’s game: Grant Hill, who shared the Rookie of the Year award with Kidd in 1994-95, when the 6-foot-8 Hill ran the point for the Detroit Pistons. Kidd saw the same phenomenal blend of feel and force in Flagg that Hill had coming out of Duke,” wrote Michael MacMahon.

Kidd’s assessment makes sense, as the Mavericks aim to gain creative depth while awaiting Kyrie Irving’s return, enhancing team synergy and chemistry, particularly to improve offensive efficiency.

As the new season draws near, with just days to go, Redick addressed the media regarding Doncic and the team’s overall performance, spotlighting the struggles in dynamics as evidenced during preseason matches. With the first game of the new season on the horizon, the pressure is mounting.

“We are trying to form consistent habits, and that involves everyone on the team, not just three guys,” Redick remarked to the media after a 113-104 loss to the Suns. “I think there were some really good moments on both ends of the floor, and certain possessions where we executed well, but to become a really good team, consistency is key every single time.”

“I don’t think any of the groups tonight were as consistent as they need to be,” Redick elaborated. “To me, we took a step forward defensively against the Warriors, but regressed against the Suns, and that’s really frustrating.”

Redick analyzes Doncic’s role in preseason performance

Following an extended period before committing to the Lakers this preseason, Doncic’s dynamic performance and physical prowess have ignited optimism among the fan base. Many consider him to be the linchpin of a franchise eager to ascend back to the pinnacle of the NBA.

“Luka displayed commendable poise,” Redick conveyed to the media. “I’ve mentioned before that he’s trying to foster a strong rapport with Marcus Smart and the other players, and I appreciated his showing in this initial preseason matchup.”

Redick reflects on challenging nights and team development

As the Lakers seek to offer a glimpse of their potential for the upcoming season, Redick seized the opportunity to emphasize the benefits of challenging nights in fostering team cohesion and development.

“Building those small interactions between players was a strong point throughout much of the game,” Redick observed. “It’s my responsibility to address those challenges, but on-court problem-solving is crucial, and that’s where I perceive positive strides for our team,” he remarked.

“I’ve been very impressed with just the amount of work he’s [Jarred Vanderbilt] done this summer on his game, and obviously, his body is significantly better than this time last year, or even when the season ended… He’s moving better, his handle is tighter… He’s been working on his game. And the shot is the big thing for him, if he can be a consistent three-point shooter for us, that unlocks a lot,” JJ Redick said at the latest press conference.

Despite not enjoying his best individual season, Jarred Vanderbilt has capitalized on his preseason minutes to demonstrate his right to a place in JJ Redick’s rotation. In his latest outing against the Warriors, he delivered a solid performance with 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Yet, his influence extends beyond the numbers; his presence has been crucial to fostering team chemistry during this challenging beginning to the preseason.

Coming off a season with just 36 games, Jarred has a prime opportunity to secure a spot in the rotation, thanks to his impressive three-point shooting ability. The franchise currently lacks a consistent player with his skill set, making his inclusion particularly valuable. JJ Redick even mentioned that he wouldn’t be surprised to see Vanderbilt crack the starting lineup, emphasizing that all possibilities are on the table.

Is the Lakers’ poor preseason a warning sign for their 2025-26 NBA season?

In the 2025 NBA preseason, the Los Angeles Lakers have struggled, suffering two significant losses in their opening games. While there have been bright moments, including Bronny James’ impressive defensive plays or Austin Reaves’ robust offensive efforts, the team has yet to find cohesion. Concerns about Deandre Ayton’s role and the overall defensive approach have cast doubts on its competitive edge for the upcoming season.

It’s natural to question the Lakers’ potential given their recent performances, but it’s important to remember that they’re just entering the preseason. In this phase, JJ Redick does not have a roster filled with stars, and some players are currently finding their competitive rhythm. Consequently, rushing to conclusions at this stage is premature as even an impressive preseason is not a surefire indicator of future success.

“I would say our talk was not good, and I would say the stretch at the end of the first quarter and to start the third was not competitive. Again, I’m not expecting perfection in a preseason game, but there’s room for growth in those areas… Look, the reality, and this is not an excuse, this is quite literally reality, they’ve had 19 guys in the gym all of September… I felt that more on the defensive end,” JJ Redick said at the latest press conference.

The Lakers stumbled right from their preseason opener, struggling to assert dominance and sparking concerns about their competitive edge. Head coach Redick did not mince words, attributing the lackluster performance largely to the team’s physical conditioning. Adding to the uncertainty, Deandre Ayton’s debut underwhelmed as he logged nearly 18 minutes on the court, managing just a single point and eight rebounds.

Unlike Ayton, Austin Reaves showcased again his impressive talent to lead the Lakers’ offense. In just 20 minutes, he reached to score 20 points and contributed 3 rebounds with 2 assists. Amid controversy on his contract extension, the 27-year-old star keeps demonstrating his capatity to become a key roster player with JJ Redick at the helm. As the 2025 NBA preseason keeps going, Lakers may prioritize just regain competitive rhythm ahead the upcoming season.

Will Luka Doncic and LeBron James suit up for the Lakers in the 2025 NBA preseason?

Following a defeat in their first game of the 2025 NBA preseason, fans are buzzing with questions about the availability of Luka Doncic and LeBron James for the Los Angeles Lakers’ upcoming games. Addressing these concerns, head coach JJ Redick outlined his strategy for managing his two marquee players during the crucial weeks leading up to the official NBA season.

“Our expectation is Luka will play in the preseason. We’re gonna use next week to continue to just get him in a good spot with his body and energy and all that stuff… For him (LeBron James), it’s different in Year 23… He knows his body, so we’ll work with him, we’ll work with Mike (Mancias) on making sure he gets a point of comfort where he can sort of be a full participant. But he’s been on the court every day,” JJ Redick reports at the latest press conference.

Lakers fans eagerly anticipate seeing Luka Doncic in action during the upcoming games. However, the Slovenian star will sit out the next matchup against the Golden State Warriors, reported Lakers insider Mike Trudell. Meanwhile, LeBron James’ status presents a different scenario. Despite noting his progress, Redick suggested he might skip the preseason. This situation offers Reaves a prime opportunity to showcase his leadership skills.

“We have three priorities this year and three priorities only. And that’s championship habits, championship communication, and championship shape. There’s no shortcuts to this. There’s no shortcuts to success. There’s no shortcuts to having a good season, great season, whatever… You have to be committed on a daily basis to those things,” JJ Redick said in the recent media day.

Throughout the offseason, several Lakers players have committed to significant physical transformations. Notably, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have earned high praise from teammates and the head coach for their efforts. Nonetheless, the real challenge lies in maintaining this physical consistency during the grueling NBA season, a factor that could prove pivotal come postseason.

Moreover, JJ Redick confronts a challenging but exciting task with the arrivals of Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton, who could immediately emerge as crucial assets. Integrating these talents requires a shift from last season’s strategies, but such flexibility might be the key to unlocking their potential. Here, championship communication becomes essential, possibly transforming this squad into top contenders, with Doncic and LeBron leading the offense.

JJ Redick reflects on Lakers’ playoff loss to Timberwolves, revealing details for 2025-26 season

Despite the Lakers’ impressive 2025 playoff comeback, fans voiced concerns about their thin roster depth. This vulnerability was glaring in their series loss to the physically superior Minnesota Timberwolves. As the 2025-26 season kicks off, JJ Redick has reflected on the defeat and hinted at strategic improvements the team aims to implement this year.

“My biggest regret from the Minnesota series was our preparation leading into the series. There was a lot of discussion with our coaching staff and, ultimately, I had to make the decision about what that week looks like in practice… We weren’t physically ready to play and some of that was because of our March schedule, some of that was because of some injuries,” JJ Redick said in the latest press conference.

Under the leadership of Redick, the Lakers are set to make waves this NBA season. He’s pushed his players to elevate their physical game while the front office has bolstered the roster’s depth. With Luka Doncic’s exceptional skill and LeBron James’ veteran experience, the team aims to reclaim its prominence. Furthermore, the head coach will benefit from a full roster right from the start of training camp, allowing for more intensive preparation.