Updated Oct 20, 2026 · 2:32 PM ET · Edited to restore complete sentences and clarify the summary against the original report.
What happened
JJ Redick said this preseason has given the Lakers more time for teaching, installs, and repeated work on special situations than they had before last year’s opener.
Los Angeles is also integrating many new faces, and Redick noted the team could carry as many as seven or eight new rotation players with Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Jake LaRavia among the few holdovers mentioned.
That extra time could help the Lakers settle roles and communication early, but their defense may still take time to stabilize as the new group comes together.
Automated brief based on the linked report. Lineup context is analysis; official starting-five labels come separately from our game data provider.
Original reporting: JJ Redick says more practice this preseason has allowed them to focus on special situations — Yahoo Sports ↗