The Lakers are getting absolutely WAXED on the boards, giving up an average of 14.8 offensive rebounds per game this preseason, and coach JJ Redick is going full-on box-out drill mode to fix it before their final preseason game against the Denver Nuggets tonight. It’s their last chance to get their act together before the results actually count.
This Rebounding Disaster Has Redick Steaming
Seriously, 14.8 offensive boards a game? That’s just brutal. They got pummeled for 20 against the Kings last Thursday, which, come on. You know that had Redick seeing red. The dude dedicated practice time to this mess, running “three different box-out drills” on Thursday alone. You gotta wonder if that work is actually gonna translate to the court tonight. Are these guys gonna start finding a man when a shot goes up, or are we gonna see another free-for-all under the rim? This is their final test run.
Dončić Back, But the Starting Lineup Is Still a Mystery
Good news is Luka Dončić was a full participant in Thursday’s practice after sitting out Tuesday’s game. If he’s out there tonight, we finally get to see the Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler trio on the floor together. Kessler’s screening and movement should create some awesome options for those guards, and vice versa. Getting that chemistry right takes real game reps, and this is their last shot before the season kicks off.
Beyond Dončić, Collin Sexton ditched the kinesiology tape on his right leg at Friday’s shootaround, so maybe, just maybe, we see his Lakers debut tonight. Ziaire Williams is also feeling “great” after a full practice, with the swelling in his left foot down. That means Redick gets another wing to throw into the mix. Adou Thiero was limited for “maintenance,” and Cameron Carr didn’t practice again, with no word on why, but at least he’s still with the team.
All these guys returning mean more bodies for Redick to figure out the two open starting spots next to Dončić, Reaves, and Kessler. Quentin Grimes, who’s started every preseason game so far, basically admitted no one has a clue who’s locking those down. “I don’t know. I guess you’re going to find out next Wednesday,” he said, calling it “healthy competition.” Tonight is literally the last tryout. Redick’s gonna be watching every combination and substitution like a hawk.
The Clock’s Ticking on Redick’s Final Decisions
This isn’t just about who starts, it’s about who FITS. Redick’s gonna be eyeing spacing, defensive assignments, and who can contribute without needing the ball glued to their hands. The opening lineup tonight will obviously get all the attention, but watch those substitution patterns super closely. That’s where you really see which guys click together. This final preseason game isn’t just a formality, it’s a make-or-break moment for Redick to solidify his rotation before the real grind begins.
So, yeah, it’s the preseason finale, but for the Lakers, it’s huge. Can they suddenly learn to box out? Can Redick finally lock down his starting five? It’s all on the line tonight against the Nuggets, and we’ll see what kind of team Redick rolls out when the games actually start to matter. Get ready!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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