The Los Angeles Lakers just routed the Sacramento Kings on the first night of a back-to-back, with superstar Luka Dončić playing only one half. That preseason game on October 5 in Sacramento showed everyone what head coach JJ Redick is building: an aggressive defensive identity that looks legit from day one.
Redick’s Vision: Pressure From Tip-Off
Look, talk is cheap before the games start, right? But Redick made it clear at media day that this new Lakers roster gives him the perfect personnel to bring consistent defensive pressure in ways he couldn’t last season. And they weren’t messing around. Training camp was all about this aggressive approach, and against the Kings, they walked the walk. We’re talking team-wide commitment, pressuring the ball for all 94 feet of the court. New additions Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams, who apparently have been tearing it up in practice, jumped right into it. From the very first tip, Williams was chest to chest with Sacramento’s new lottery pick, Darius Acuff Jr. The Lakers were switching and chasing over screens like crazy, and it ended exactly how they wanted: a shot-clock violation for Sacramento.
Ball Hawks Everywhere and A Halftime Lead To Prove It
That wasn’t a fluke either. On the very next defensive possession, Williams got a deflection, and who else but Thybulle swooped in for the steal? Thybulle, man, he was a straight-up ball hawk against the Kings, just like he was last season ranking fourth in the league in steals per 36 minutes. Whether he was poking balls away from behind or anticipating strong-side passes, his fingerprints were all over that game. The Lakers started their best defensive wings together, and it paid off big time, fueling a massive 73-47 halftime lead! It wasn’t just those two either. They weaponized a whole squad of wings. New addition Quentin Grimes was picking up full court, using his hounding ability to force a difficult handoff and even a backcourt violation. Adou Thiero, Cameron Carr, and Bronny James also took turns with that 94-foot pressure. This style doesn’t stop at half-court. This younger, faster roster means defenders stay feisty and connected for the entire possession. It’s a whole new vibe.
Yeah, the Lakers rested a ton of guys the next night and got thumped, but that first game against the Kings? That’s the real story. It’s only preseason, but Redick’s new defensive identity is clear, and with these guys committed to 94 feet of pressure, opponents are going to have their hands full. You gotta wonder if this early intensity will set the tone for the season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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