UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers are ramping up their preparations for the upcoming preseason, with coach JJ Redick pushing players to achieve what he calls “championship shape.” After an intense training camp session on September 28, 2023, Redick acknowledged that his demanding drills may not have made him the most popular figure in the locker room.
The Lakers concluded their practice with a rigorous series of full-court sprints, including running six court lengths in 34 seconds and ten court lengths in 60 seconds. Redick joined the players for the final stretch, emphasizing the importance of conditioning. “I just ran the last six,” Redick stated, visibly flushed but committed to the team’s physical readiness.
With the team’s disappointing first-round exit from the playoffs last season still fresh in their minds, the Lakers are determined to improve their performance. Redick noted, “There are three ways I kind of view, ‘Are we in shape?'” He highlighted the need for players to sprint back defensively, maintain offensive pace, and be physically aggressive throughout the game.
Superstar Luka Doncic, who has transformed his physique through dedicated workouts and discipline, expressed his commitment to the team’s goals. “It’s not just physical shape, it’s mental shape, too,” Doncic said, adding that the training is already yielding positive results. “Everybody’s in great shape. Everybody’s running a lot, so it’s been great so far.”
While the team aims for collective improvement, not all players are available for the preseason opener against the Phoenix Suns on September 29, 2023. LeBron James is sidelined due to nerve irritation in his glute, while Marcus Smart is dealing with left Achilles tendinopathy. Rookie Adou Thiero is also out with left knee swelling, and big man Maxi Kleber will miss a few days due to a quad injury.
Guard Gabe Vincent expressed support for Redick’s tough training methods, stating, “If we all hate you, but we all hate you collectively, that’s great.” He acknowledged that the players understand the purpose behind the demanding practice routines. “We all got the run in and we all got better for it.”
As the Lakers gear up for their six-game preseason slate, Redick plans to manage player minutes carefully, particularly for Doncic and Austin Reaves, who has been pushing hard in camp. The team is focused not only on physical readiness but also on building the mental toughness needed for a successful season.
Fans can expect an exciting matchup as the Lakers face the Suns, where the emphasis will be on short bursts of play to ensure players remain fresh and healthy. This dedication to conditioning could be pivotal in the Lakers’ quest for a championship title this season.
