5 winners and losers from the Lakers’ preseason

Jacob Rude of Silver Screen and Roll evaluated the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason campaign, naming Sandro Mamukelashvili, Ziaire Williams, and Jake LaRavia as winners, while listing Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden Hardy, and Dalton Knecht as losers. Rude highlighted Mamukelashvili's energy and versatility, Williams' strong bid for a starting role, and LaRavia's rebuilt shooting confidence as key preseason bright spots under head coach JJ Redick.

Conversely, Rude argued that Vanderbilt faces reduced playing time following the arrival of multiple new wing players, noting he often waited until the fourth quarter to play. The writer also reported that Hardy and Knecht both struggled to secure their positions, raising questions over whether one or both could be cut to open a roster spot.