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Lakers’ uneven preseason nothing to worry about for Luka Doncic, teammates

The Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason has been a study in contrasts, with their performance swinging wildly between games. After a promising start against the Sacramento Kings—a team projected to finish near the bottom of the league next season—the Lakers struggled mightily in their next outing, falling short against the Golden State Warriors.

The inconsistency underscores the unpredictable nature of preseason play, where lineups shift frequently and teams are still finding their rhythm. Key players like Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle, and Collin Sexton were absent in the Warriors game, further complicating the Lakers’ ability to showcase their full potential.

Despite these challenges, the team’s defensive intensity against the Kings offered a glimpse of what could be, with aggressive full-court pressure and improved physicality on that end of the floor. Coach J.J.

Redick and Dončić have remained optimistic, viewing the preseason as an opportunity to refine systems rather than a definitive measure of the team’s eventual form. With limited practices before the regular season begins, the Lakers are focused on honing their approach, particularly in areas like rim protection and offensive versatility without their primary ball handlers.

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