The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 121–94 in a lopsided preseason game in Las Vegas on Wednesday, a result driven by a dominant fourth quarter in which Dallas outscored L.A. 37–8 after the teams had traded earlier leads.
The Lakers started the night well, building a solid first-half advantage (66-53 at halftime), but ultimately struggled to sustain offense and defense in the second half.
The team was without starters LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton, which resulted in rotation players and younger depth pieces being tested late, which coincided with the team's fourth-quarter collapse.
When asked after the game what he would’ve liked to see more of in the second half, Lakers coach JJ Redick didn’t mince words.
“A level of toughness, but that wasn’t there tonight,” he stated. “It’s a lot to ask that group that was out there for most of the fourth to generate good shots; that’s just the reality of who those guys are right now. But that’s not an excuse for a lack of toughness.”
Redick was hired by the Lakers on a four-year contract in 2024 and led Los Angeles to a 50-32 record in his first year at the helm. It was the franchise’s first 50-win season since 2019-20, when the team last won a championship.
Despite a strong regular season and some analysts projecting another potential title push, the Lakers bowed out early in the playoffs, losing 4-1 in the first round to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Redick now enters his second full season as L.A.’s head coach with renewed optimism after the big offseason acquisition of Ayton and what will be the first full season with Doncic, a five-time first-team All-NBA honoree, on the roster.
Unfortunately, the Lakers still remain shorthanded. James is out with sciatica and the team is reportedly taking a patient approach, with reports saying a mid-November return is the working timeline after an Oct. 30 re-evaluation.
Several rotation pieces were held out on Wednesday as well - Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia and Bronny James included - and Jarred Vanderbilt exited the Mavericks game with a left quad contusion and was ruled out for the remainder of the night (he’s day-to-day).
The Lakers' regular season opener is Tuesday, Oct. 21, at home vs. the Golden State Warriors; there's one more preseason tune-up Friday against the Sacramento Kings.
The coming two weeks will be crucial for Redick to finalize rotations. Without James for an extended stretch, the Lakers will need consistent play from role players and reliable depth minutes to avoid an early hole in the standings.
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.