The preseason is over, and in 24 hours or so, the regular season begins.
Did the Lakers get everything they needed out of training camp? Are they in position to maximize the talent on hand in the face of a very, very challenging early slate of games? (And let’s be honest, in the Western Conference, there are no easy stretches.) The Lakers were mostly healthy through the preseason, with guys missing a little time here and there with normal training camp caution. But they didn’t get Jarred Vanderbilt on the floor, and probably won’t for a little bit longer. Christian Wood is still out.
So based on what’s been seen, what looks good?
What looks concerning?
Is Dalton Knecht ready to contribute? Do the Lakers have enough depth. Is the shooting going to straighten itself out, after a very, very poor percentage from 3-point range during the preseason?
Any signs of what this squad under JJ Redick is going to look like now that the real games are here?
Are LeBron James and Anthony Davis ready to pick up where they left off last year, or even get a little better (talking about Anthony Davis, specifically)?
Meanwhile, the Lakers did make a roster move to finish off the preseason, waiving center Colin Castleton, who never really made much progress after the Lakers brought him in last year, and gave that two-way contract to Quincy Olivari, who impressed in a big way (obviously) in a pair of big preseason performances. First things first - it’s a great story. For a guy to take advantage of this type of opportunity in the way Olivari did is cool to see. But it also does say a couple things about the fringey elements of the roster, namely the confidence the Lakers have in Christian Koloko to be be cleared for play sooner rather than later (because LA is short on and Castleton is, if nothing else, a center. And while Olivari and Jalen Hood-Schifino don’t play the same position, keeping Olivari can’t be seen as a ringing endorsement of JHS’s ability to play minutes if needed.
After a strong opening game to the preseason, that’s not a good trend for the second year player.
