LOS ANGELES — In just two days, the Los Angeles Lakers will hit the court for their first preseason game, traveling to Sacramento on Monday. Throughout the first week of training camp, several two-way players have started to stand out, especially Chris Mañon.
“On the initial two days, I noticed both Arthur Kaluma and AK Okereke being very physical as part of the wing group,” said coach JJ Redick after Saturday’s practice. “Chris showed up on Thursday and continued impressing in live play today — he’s gotten time with the purple team as we aimed to balance scoring on both sides, and he’s been terrific in live play and scrimmages these last couple of days.”
Redick described Kaluma and Okereke as 3-and-D wings fitting within the Lakers’ system, while Mañon is viewed as a guard-wing hybrid.
“We have some overlap among our two-way players this year, which is positive,” Redick noted. “If we can develop Adou Thiero, Cameron Carr, and others into reliable rotation players over the next 12 to 24 months, it will significantly raise our potential.”
More Practice, Clearer Roles
This season, the Lakers have five preseason games instead of six, one fewer than last year. While Redick isn’t thrilled about the shortened preseason, he acknowledges it provides more time for practice, helping the team enter the regular season better prepared.
“I’d say we had about six full practices in last year’s preseason. This year, we’ll have at least 12,” Redick explained. “That allows for a more productive preseason and training camp, spacing things out so we can provide players with more live reps and focus on teaching.”
This extended practice time also gives coaches and players a chance to better define their roles. For someone like Bronny James—despite being just in his third season—he is already the third-longest-tenured Laker behind Austin Reaves and Jarred Vanderbilt. James is balancing competing for a rotation spot while also emerging as a leader among the team’s younger players.
“It’s kind of wild, right? Austin keeps calling me a vet, and I’m like, ‘I guess,’” James said. “I come in every day trying to improve as a point guard and also encourage my teammates and get them in the best spots.”
Matisse Thybulle has received lots of praise for his defense during camp and is vying for the fifth starting spot as one of the Lakers’ best defenders at the point of attack.
Before joining Los Angeles, Thybulle played in various roles across the league, whether starting or coming off the bench. Regardless of his role, he remains focused on contributing to wins.
“I leave those lineup decisions to the coaches,” Thybulle said Saturday. “If my teammates and coaches are pleased with my performance, that’s a good sign. Whether I start or come off the bench, I trust the coaches to use me in a way that maximizes impact.”
Kessler’s Shooting Progress
Towards the end of Saturday’s practice, Walker Kessler was seen working on catch-and-shoot threes and pick-and-roll/pop plays. Lakers fans might be surprised—his jump shot is looking pretty solid.
Kessler increased his three-point attempts per game from 0.3 over his first three seasons to 1.6 in the five games he played last year before a shoulder injury sidelined him. He has emphasized floor spacing as a priority in his offseason training.
As someone considered a perfect complement to Luka Dončić, Kessler’s improved shooting ability could significantly boost the Lakers’ offense.
Additional Updates:
- JJ Redick has not yet announced player availability for Monday’s preseason opener, stating the team is still finalizing details.
- Bronny James currently weighs between 215 and 220 pounds, attributing his leaner physique to a healthier diet and more cardio work.
- Thybulle mentioned Cameron Carr’s eagerness to learn and receptiveness to coaching, believing Carr can make notable progress with more playing time.
Fan Take: This insider look at the Lakers’ training camp highlights the promising development of younger and two-way players, which could reshape the team’s future depth and versatility. For basketball fans, these emerging talents and strategic refinements offer an exciting glimpse into the evolving landscape of the NBA and the Lakers’ potential to surprise this season.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
