On the second day of Lakers training camp, the backup players won the day, pushing the competitive level at practice.
LOS ANGELES — During the first Lakers practice on Tuesday, the focus for Los Angeles was to be obsessed with the daily process needed to be great.
On Wednesday, it was all about winning the day. In every aspect of this, the Lakers’ back half of their training camp roster stepped up and performed.
During scrimmages, the Lakers split their roster between Team Purple and Team Gray. Team Purple is typically reserved for the top players. Redick discussed how Team Gray has been dominant early on in training camp against Team Purple.
“I think they won every single competitive thing today,” Redick said after practice. “From one-on-one shooting drills, to five-on-five, to scrimmage, to our transition build-up drill, they’ve won everything. And I told our E-10 and two-way guys, they’re making our camp better right now.”
It’s encouraging to hear that all three two-way guys are playing well in training camp. Nick Smith Jr. was signed right before training camp and Christian Koloko and Chris Mañon were added during the summer on two-way deals.
Having a mix of established players like Luka Dončić and emerging prospects like Koloko creates a nice blend of talent that can work together to keep things competitive.
“I think that’s what we’re here for, just to push them and make them better,” Koloko said. “It’s making us better. So, just playing hard and just trying to get them better, I think it’s helping both of us.”
This competitive spirit coming from the two-way guys who will split their time between the NBA and the G League and the Exhibit-10 players who will likely sign with South Bay after camp is over, is an example of the “model for integration” that Redick spoke about last summer.
These players are getting a taste of what it’s like to be at a Lakers training camp. For those who remain on two-way deals or with South Bay, they’ll continue to build these habits within the Lakers’ organization.
Everyone is working towards the same goal, and iron is sharpening iron.
Jarred Vanderbilt is so back
With the Lakers bringing back many of their core players, there is an opportunity to build on the positive aspects of last year and take it to the next level.
Jarred Vanderbilt is one of those players back, and with this being the first summer he’s been healthy in a while, he is hitting the ground running in training camp.
Redick mentioned Vando’s health as a positive and even discussed how Marcus Smart and Vanderbilt can help put pressure on the ball early during defensive possessions.
“I think with a healthy Vando and hopefully a healthy Marcus [Smart], I think our ability to put more pressure on the basketball earlier in the defensive possession will be a real thing,” Redick said. “It’s night and day the way Vando’s moving right now, even from when we finished the season. His growth and body mechanics this summer, it’s evident the first two day’s of camp.”
Smart signed with the Lakers to be a defensive stopper, but has yet to participate fully in training camp. Hopefully, when he returns, he will fit like a glove with this roster. Vando, on the other hand, is playing and looking as good as ever.
“It looks like we do have the pre-injury version of Vando,” Redick said. “I’ve talked a lot with him this summer about just like that he got put into a tough spot, post-trade, because he had to play the five, there wasn’t other options. Just play small, had to be the backup five, they were our two options. So, I think getting him back on the perimeter, his body being in a good place from an athleticism and agility standpoint, will be super helpful for our team.”
Over the past two years, Vanderbilt has been mired with injuries. He played in just 26 games last year and only 29 the year before that.
When healthy, Vando has demonstrated elite defense and has locked down some of the best players in the NBA.
The healthy version of Vanderbilt was a key part of the Lakers’ 2022-23 season, where they made it to the Western Conference Finals. If Redick has that player from the start of this season, it will raise the defensive level of this team and their overall ceiling on what they can accomplish.
Notes and injury updates
- Gabe Vincent was the only Lakers player who missed action on Tuesday and played on Wednesday. Smart, LeBron James and Gabe Vincent remain in the return-to-play protocols.
- The Lakers have one more addition to the injury report. Maxi Kleber tweaked his quad on Tuesday and will get an MRI on Wednesday afternoon. Redick said he’s hopeful it’s nothing serious.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
Category: General Sports
