After strategically bolstering their roster, the Los Angeles Lakers went into their first 2025 NBA preseason game against the Phoenix Suns as clear favorites. Despite LeBron James’ absence, the team showcased talents like Austin Reaves and newly-acquired Deandre Ayton. For that reason, its defeat, therefore, came as a disappointment, prompting JJ Redick to swiftly address the shortcomings in their performance.

“I would say our talk was not good, and I would say the stretch at the end of the first quarter and to start the third was not competitive. Again, I’m not expecting perfection in a preseason game, but there’s room for growth in those areas… Look, the reality, and this is not an excuse, this is quite literally reality, they’ve had 19 guys in the gym all of September… I felt that more

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