LOS ANGELES — The Luka Dončić era is officially underway as the Los Angeles Lakers opened training camp on Tuesday. Following an offseason of roster overhaul — nine new players joined the team this summer — the competition for a spot in the starting lineup is alive and well.
Gone are the days of optionality. With a collection of players cultivated to head coach JJ Redick’s preferences (and many signed to long-term deals), the foundation is being built and the era of continuity is on the horizon, highlighted
by the addition of Walker Kessler.
What continues to be the biggest storyline entering the season has a bigger flame after the first day of training camp. Redick was, frankly, fired up about the notion of competition for rotation minutes, recalling Max Christie’s journey to the rotation as a prime example.
“Max Christie, our first year, was in the rotation,” Redick said. “He was horrible to start the year. We told him that he wasn’t doing what we asked him to do. He didn’t play. And then, when he got back into the rotation, he eventually earned a starting spot and he turned our season around.
“The competition, that’s what the league is. This is a meritocracy. If anyone tells you otherwise, it’s bulls—… You got to earn your minutes and you cheer for your teammates when you’re doing it.”
Three starters have been confirmed by Redick — Austin Reaves, Dončić and Kessler — and while Quentin Grimes remains a favorite to slot into the backcourt, Redick made it known during his media day press conference that there will be a competition for the final two spots.
Dončić played a sizeable role in crafting the roster this offseason, moving hand in hand with Rob Pelinka through many of the decisions, most notably revealing that Kessler was a top priority for him. When it comes to who he thinks should be starting alongside him, the superstar deferred to his coach, but was also pleased with the competition he saw on the floor.
“That’s a question for JJ. He’s the one who decides the starting five,” Dončić said. “(The competition) was great. The starting five, we don’t know who it’s going to be, so we mixed up teams. We had a lot of fun. A lot of teaching points and everybody felt like it was a great first day.”
Walker Kessler, everywhere
Naturally, when a franchise gives up two first-round picks, two pick swaps and $30 million annually across four years to get you, you’re going to be a focal point of the team’s trajectory. Such is the case for Kessler, who was the topic of conversation for his impact on both ends of the floor on day one.
Dončić hasn’t quite played alongside a player of Kessler’s archetype before, which is why he’s excited to start doing so now. Known for his ability to eliminate the rim on defense and punish it the same on offense, the 7-foot-2 big man has also shown glimpses of an ability to stretch the floor, a skill that may be enhanced playing next to Dončić.
“Especially on offense, (he) opens up a lot,” Dončić said of Kessler.
“I look at him as a two-way talent,” Redick added. “The fit is exciting. The person is really exciting. In terms of development, we look at development as developing the whole person, not just his skillset. … The person is who we’re really excited to have in our program and develop.”
On defense, plenty of role players have expressed the thrill they share having Kessler behind them protecting the rim. Redick detailed his desire to keep Kessler closer to the rim, moving further away from the switch-heavy defense they’ve had to rely on over the last couple of seasons. Kessler hanging around the paint gives perimeter defenders the ability to play more aggressively on the point of attack. Doing so funnels offensive players straight to Kessler.
The version of Kessler the team envisions already makes them a threat. But does Kessler think he’s even scratched the surface of how good he can be?
“No, I haven’t,” he said.
The defense is underrated
The main critique of the new-look roster was its defense. Pundits claimed the Lakers would surely be one of the best offenses in the league, but would likely have to outscore their opponents every night. Kessler disagrees.
“Listen, I think we’re going to be a nasty team defensively,” said Kessler. “I’m just being honest, seeing these guys hound the ball on the perimeter, we’re going to be really good defensively. We have a lot of defensive tools…I think some people aren’t taking into account how good our perimeter defense is going to be with some of these guys.”
Other notes:
- Redick said that, aside from a few players who will return to contact play this week, everyone participated and there are no injury concerns.
- Dončić is healthy but isn’t sure how much of the preseason he’ll participate in. Says he will need to talk to Redick about what the plan is.
- Redick is very excited about Mamukelashvili’s offensive impact. Says he’s not a specific position, but a basketball player.
You can follow Connor on Twitter at @cmorenoNBA.
