The Los Angeles Lakers participated in a unique ‘guards vs. bigs’ drill during practice ahead of their second game of the season. The drill featured the Lakers’ forwards and centers being defended by the guards, with the bigs being allowed two dribbles to get to the basket and make a shot. Some surprising combinations emerged, with even coach JJ Redick taking part in the drill.
This Lakers guards vs. bigs drill 😤🔥
Bronny and JJ Redick were locked in 😅
(via @Lakers) pic.twitter.com/R93QbeVhgL
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 24, 2024
Both Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves got the better of each other in two separate turns. Jaxson Hayes unsurprisingly beat the defense of D’Angelo Russell, but Russell got his revenge when Hayes fouled him. LeBron James showed rookie Dalton Knecht no mercy, driving to the basket with an easy shot.
But he wasn’t able to do the same against his son, Bronny James, who forced him to take three dribbles, thus failing the challenge. Head coach JJ Redick then showed the guards how to do it, as he guarded Jaxson Hayes. While Hayes got away from Redick, the coach was able to alter his shot enough to cause a miss and help the guards win the challenge.
Regardless of the winners and losers of the drill, the one thing that is evident when looking at the clip above is the harmony and camaraderie that the players are displaying amongst themselves. The Lakers seem to be in high spirits, not just off the back of their 110-103 season-opening win against the Timberwolves, but under the new stewardship of JJ Redick.
Redick has revitalized the squad from a moral standpoint. And while he may be a tough, methodical coach, he has been able to encourage and bring the best out of this Lakers squad. Given the morale boost they’ve all undergone, it will be interesting to see where the Lakers are able to go in the playoffs this year.
Strong Win For Lakers To Start Season
As mentioned above, the Los Angeles Lakers won their season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was a great performance from the Lakers, who were able to win their first season opener since 2016. And a large chunk of the credit should go to the starters on the team, most notably, Anthony Davis.
Davis played like the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year candidate everyone expects him to be, as he put up 36 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and three blocks to lead the Lakers to the win. Not far behind him was LeBron James, who had a quiet night with 16 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.
One of the big improvements we saw was from Rui Hachimura, who delivered 18 points, five rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one block.
But there was a big concern for the Lakers in the game and something they will have to address as the season goes on. The Lakers shot 5-30 from the three-point line, making just 16.6% of their shots from beyond the arc. The Lakers do not have a reliable three-point shooter outside of Dalton Knecht, which is something they need to try and fix.
The Lakers organization is reportedly aware that they are not presently constructed to win a championship. So do not be surprised if Rob Pelinka makes some big moves before the trade deadline in February.
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