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Finally, real basketball is around the corner.
The Lakers played five preseason games. They had more practices than they’ll have all season. So, what have we learned about the team over the last few weeks?
With nine new players, the Lakers will have some kinks to work out. But there’s a lot to be excited about as Luka Doncic attempts to win the Purple-and-Gold their 18th title.
1. The Big 3 has a ton of potential, but it’s going to take time
Right now, patience is key.
Don’t forget that it took the Lakers until last spring to figure out how to be successful with their Big 3 of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James.
Well, that process has begun all over again. James is out. And Walker Kessler is in. So, the calendar has been reset.
The Lakers are hoping they can figure things out much quicker this time around. Everyone has distinct roles. Kessler should perfectly complement Doncic and Reaves with his elite rebounding and rim protection.
That said, don’t expect them to figure things out overnight.
Kessler looked impressive in his preseason debut after playing in only five games last season because of season-ending shoulder surgery. He finished with 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting, nine rebounds, one blocked shot and one steal in the Lakers’ 101-89 exhibition loss to the Warriors on Tuesday.
But Kessler was clearly shaking off rust against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets in the Lakers’ 121-106 exhibition loss on Friday. He was outscored by the three-time MVP 17-6, and Jokic finished with twice as many assists (eight) as Kessler (four).
That said, it’s obvious that Kessler is going to be a difference-maker for the Lakers when he finds his rhythm following what amounted to be a 347-day stretch between NBA games.
He’s well-liked. He’s a defensive powerhouse. And he’s incredibly driven after the Lakers emptied their cupboard to acquire him, giving up two first-round picks and two first-round picks swaps in a sign-and-trade with the Jazz on top of a four-year, $130 million deal.
“The support system around me with my teammates, the coaching staff, front office, they’re fantastic,” Kessler said. “They’re very vocal about, obviously being a Lakers big, there’s a certain legacy with that, but not to look at it as pressure, more so as an opportunity. So that’s kind of the attitude I’m going in with it.”
2. Time to get excited about Mamu
Sandro Mamukelashvili raises the Lakers’ offensive ceiling.
He has surpassed expectations this preseason. He has been one of the biggest standouts.
He averaged 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 55.6% from the field and 54.2% from beyond the arc.
Lakers coach JJ Redick praised him for being a “really quick decision-maker.” Reaves added that “good things happen” when he brings the ball up the floor.
“He’s a good basketball player, so we’re very excited for what he brings to the team,” Reaves said.
3. Ziaire Williams has a lot of potential
Williams only played in two preseason games because of a left foot contusion, but he made quite an impression.
He shot 5-for-5 from beyond the arc. He averaged 13.5 points. And he showed glimmers of what he can do on the defensive end.
If the 25-year-old can become the reliable, athletic and lockdown perimeter defender the Lakers have desperately wanted, he could change their ceiling.
Williams is the type of player the Lakers need. And the competitive Lakers can give him the opportunity he has always wanted following two seasons with the flailing Nets. This has the potential to be a great marriage.