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How will the NBA’s new focus on push-offs impact the Lakers?

The NBA’s crackdown on off-arm push-offs—offensive moves that create excessive space for players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaylen Brown—could directly impact the Los Angeles Lakers, whose roster features two of the league’s most prolific scorers, Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić. The league’s new emphasis, outlined in the 2026-27 Points of Emphasis, targets how these moves disadvantage defenders, and the Lakers’ coaching staff has already engaged with officials to address the issue.

Head coach J.J. Redick, who has privately advocated for fairer enforcement, shared footage of 12 instances from a single game last season where push-offs went uncalled, despite his team’s defensive philosophy prioritizing legal contact.

The NBA’s referee development team, led by Monty McCutchen, even reviewed some of Redick’s clips during a coaches’ meeting in Chicago last month, signaling a collaborative effort to refine the rules’ application. While Reaves acknowledged the need for stricter calls on extreme push-offs, he also noted that not every space-creating move should be penalized, highlighting the fine line officials must navigate.

The Lakers’ discussions extended to a pre-camp meeting with retired referee Joey Crawford, who now advises the league on officiating standards, further underscoring the team’s proactive approach to adapting to the new guidelines.

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