Following intense physical practices during the first two days of NBA training camp, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves expressed strong confidence in the team’s championship potential. Speaking to reporters on a Wednesday afternoon, Reaves highlighted a dramatic shift in the squad’s defensive identity, driven largely by new personnel acquisitions and a renewed commitment to physical play on the perimeter.
- New Additions Fueling the Defensive Overhaul
- Redick and St. Jean’s Blueprint for Disruption
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What sparked Austin Reaves’ confidence in the Lakers’ defense?
- How is Walker Kessler changing the Lakers’ defensive scheme?
- What standout stats did JJ Redick mention regarding Matisse Thybulle?
- Which new players are expected to bolster the Lakers’ wing defense?
The early defensive overhaul has completely altered the look of the team during practice sessions. When asked by the media if he saw the makings of a championship contender, Reaves confirmed his belief.
“I do,” Reaves said. “I left here yesterday and headed to the golf course and was very excited on the drive over there with how yesterday went and kind of what I’ve seen this team could be.”
New Additions Fueling the Defensive Overhaul
The foundation of this newfound defensive intensity starts at the rim with 7-foot-2 center Walker Kessler, the Lakers’ major offseason acquisition. Kessler’s presence as an elite shot-blocker and anchor has allowed head coach JJ Redick to adjust his defensive schemes, moving away from a heavy reliance on switching 1 through 5 toward a more structured approach with a true rim protector.
Beyond the paint, the Lakers have upgraded their wing defense. Reaves singled out newly acquired wings Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams, along with second-year forward Adou Thiero, as major disruptors during practice sessions.
“Let me tell you, trying to score on Matisse and Ziaire, especially with Adou out there too, and then Walker on the back line, is not easy,” Reaves explained. “I had to deal with that all day yesterday and today, and it’s not fun. So, defensively, we’re going to be much better. Those guys compete every possession, and then everybody else fills in their roles and plays the right way.”
Redick echoed those sentiments, noting that Thybulle recorded at least seven steals across the first two days of practice. The head coach praised the entire wing unit for establishing a line of confrontation, picking up opposing ball-handlers earlier, being disruptive, and eating into the shot clock.
Redick and St. Jean’s Blueprint for Disruption
Redick detailed how Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean introduced the concept of deploying soldiers on the perimeter. The strategy relies on wing defenders who know their assignments, attack aggressively, and count on defensive commanders like Kessler and Kevon Looney to communicate and protect the back line.
The physical effort during Wednesday’s session was so intense that Redick modified the latter third of practice. Cutting a couple of drills short was necessary because the players gave maximum effort and physicality on every single possession.
Last season, the Lakers struggled defensively, finishing 20th in the NBA with a defensive rating of 115.5 and giving up 114.6 points per game. However, with Quentin Grimes, Collin S**xton, Jake LaRavia, and Jarred Vanderbilt rounding out a versatile group of defenders, the franchise enters the new season with a vastly different outlook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked Austin Reaves’ confidence in the Lakers’ defense?
Austin Reaves expressed high confidence after facing the team’s new defensive personnel-specifically Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Adou Thiero, and Walker Kessler-during the first two days of training camp.
How is Walker Kessler changing the Lakers’ defensive scheme?
As a 7-foot-2 rim protector, Kessler allows JJ Redick to shift away from constant switching and deploy a more traditional drop coverage, anchoring the defense and empowering perimeter players to pressure the ball.
What standout stats did JJ Redick mention regarding Matisse Thybulle?
JJ Redick noted that Matisse Thybulle recorded at least seven steals through the first two days of training camp, showcasing his elite anticipation and disruption in passing lanes.
Which new players are expected to bolster the Lakers’ wing defense?
The Lakers added multiple defensive-minded wings this offseason, including Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Quentin Grimes, and Collin S**xton, alongside returners Jarred Vanderbilt and Jake LaRavia.
