The Lakers are already showing their new defensive identity

Raj Chipalu writes that the Los Angeles Lakers are already displaying a proactive defensive identity under head coach JJ Redick during the preseason. Despite Walker Kessler sitting out, Redick deployed a more aggressive approach focused on full-court pressure. New additions Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams highlighted this shift by pressuring ball handlers and forcing turnovers in a rout of the Sacramento Kings, which saw Luka Dončić play only the first half.

According to the analysis, Redick's system relies on athletic perimeter defenders like Quentin Grimes and Adou Thiero to disrupt offenses. Chipalu argues that while the aggressive scheme gave up straight-line drives against Sacramento and struggled against the Golden State Warriors without key stoppers, Kessler's eventual presence as a rim-protecting anchor will be vital to making the new defensive approach viable.