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Two days into Lakers training camp while integrating nine new players during yet another physical practice session, Austin Reaves has been impressed with just how good this Lakers group can be.
As he stood before the media after practice Wednesday, Reaves was asked if he saw the makings of a championship team.
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“I do,” he replied.
Reaves has such high hopes because of the defensive intensity the Lakers have displayed in camp.
It starts with center Walker Kessler, the team’s new rim-protecting 7-foot-2 center.
Then it goes all the way to the group of wing players the Lakers have who have been showing their defensive capabilities.
Read more: ‘This is a meritocracy’: Lakers open training camp with mandate of competition
Reaves was quick to mention newcomers Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams, two wings the Lakers are depending on to be top-notched defenders, and second-year forward Aduo Thiero, who had a strong showing in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas and during offseason pick-up games as a defender.
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“Let me tell you, trying to score on Matisse and Ziaire, especially with Adou out there too, and then Walker on the back line, is not easy,” Reaves said. “I had to deal with that all day yesterday and today, and it’s not fun. So, defensively, we’re going to be much better. Those guys compete every possession, and then everybody else, you know, fills in their roles and plays the right way. So, yeah, I see how special we can be.”
Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton are two other new players who have been on point on defense.
Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt are two returners who are known for their defense.
It gives Lakers coach JJ Redick a solid group of defenders on the wing.
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During practice Wednesday, Redick had to make it shorter than anticipated.
“We had to modify the latter third of practice because these guys were just giving great effort and physicality, so we cut a couple things,” Redick said. “But it was wonderful.”
Read more: How a healthy and motivated Walker Kessler could transform the Lakers’ defense
When asked who stood out at practice, Redick didn’t hesitate.
“I would just…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lakers-early-defensive-prowess-impresses-230028904.html
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Publish date : 2026-09-30 23:00:00
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