With the NBA 2024-2025 season around the corner, we’ve gotten a glimpse of the Los Angeles Lakers through the first several preseason games. Especially, the coaching from head coach JJ Redick and his staff. The first preseason game for the purple and gold was played this past Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The starters had their minutes limited and were without stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Since it was the preseason, Redick and the coaching staff wanted to limit these guys minutes to take a look at the younger talent and its rotational players throughout the game. Fast forward to Sunday, and we got to see the Lakers starters and more throughout the loss against the Phoenix Suns last night. There’s been a lot to take a look at for the Lakers on how the team played and how players individually played. Let’s dive into some takeaways from the first two preseason games.
Key Takeaways from Lakers Preseason Games
Younger Players Look Strong
Dalton Knecht
Lakers Dalton Knecht was drafted in the 2024 NBA draft with the 17th overall pick. Knecht was projected as a lottery pick and fell to the purple and gold, giving them an exciting prospect. Knecht played impressively for Tennessee averaging 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists per game, and shooting 39% from three-point range. In his first preseason game, Knecht got off to a hot start. The rookie forward went 7-for-13 from the field for 16 points. The rookie looks smooth on and off the ball, precise three-level scoring, and seems to have a handle on how to vary his pace to create separation and find players. Knecht was a bright spot and provided much for the Lakers fanbase to be excited about. Knecht gives Redick and the Lakers a variety of skills to use in many different spots
Dalton Knecht (@DaltonKnecht3) looks to be the STEAL of the draft at No. 17 after his preseason debut with the @Lakers 🤯🔥
16 PTS | 3 REB | 2 AST | 1 BLK | 1 STL
…and this poster 😳 pic.twitter.com/ysseduziTw
— GREENLIGHT MEDIA (@atlgreenlight) October 5, 2024
Max Christie
Max Christie is going into his third year after signing a four-year extension with the purple and gold. Christie throughout the first several preseason games looks comfortable on the court, showing increased aggression on both ends. It was nice to see all of his strengths on full display, including his ability to defend multiple positions, shoot above defenders, and collect rebounds. Christie has finished both games above 10 points, grabbing rebounds, assisting, and some blocks and steals. His confidence will continue to rise. We should expect a breakout year for Christie, his usage could be amplified under Redick and the Lakers coaching staff.
Max Christie spoke on how comfortable he is feeling going into his third season with the #Lakers.https://t.co/KJHExf3Eqx
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) October 7, 2024
Jalen Hood-Schifino
Jalen Hood-Schifino was drafted by the Lakers in 2023 and was a quite disappointing pick due to injury and limited playing time. After undergoing back surgery, he spent some time in the G League and worked on his game. However, in the first two preseason games, Hood-Schifino showcased his excellent level of play. He has delivered two solid all-around performances, emphasizing the missed opportunities from his rookie year. In his first preseason game, he logged 27 minutes with six points, six assists, four rebounds, one block, and one steal. With his confidence on the rise, the Lakers can look forward to Jalen having a bigger role on this team throughout the season.
Jalen Hood-Schifino felt good physically and was pleased with his overall play in the #Lakers preseason opener.https://t.co/UU5GdsAHez
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) October 6, 2024
More Threes
Throughout the 2023-2024 season, the Lakers seemed to shy away from shooting threes. Notably, the Lakers were deadlast in three-point attempts last season with 31 per game. Despite the low volume, the Lakers were eighth in three-point percentage last year with 37.7%. In the first two preseason games, the Lakers shot 32 and 40 threes.
Los Angeles has multiple perimeter-scoring threats, especially off the catch. Many players on this roster who can shoot the ball well even their big men, such as Christian Wood. In the NBA today, teams that don’t shoot a lot of threes often struggle to be successful in their respective conference. JJ Redick has emphasized wanting everybody to shoot the three more. He will likely look to implement more strategies to improve the spacing to create better-shot quality around the perimeter.
