Lakers' JJ Redick issues early-season challenge to LA as rebounding concerns start to take shape image
The Los Angeles Lakers did a great job acquiring Walker Kessler this summer after the Utah Jazz finally gave in and traded him following a couple of years of discussions. The Lakers landed one of the best young big men in the game.
However, the depth behind him isn’t the best and comes with plenty of question marks. LA is still monitoring the trade market to see if anything can happen before the season gets underway.
“The Lakers are still monitoring the market for big men, team sources told The Athletic," The Athletic's Dan Woike reported. "They traded for Walker Kessler and signed Kevon Looney to play center, and Mamukelashvili can play the position, too. The team could address the position either by trade or signing, like with potentially adding Thybulle. The roster is currently at full capacity."
Kevon Looney is the only other true center on the roster behind Kessler. Beyond him, the Lakers are thin at the position. During their last preseason game against the Sacramento Kings, they were outrebounded early on.
“The Kings are killing the Lakers on the glass, more than doubling them up in rebounds (11 to 5). They have four offensive rebounds and a few putbacks. That’s been an early concern in these non-Kessler lineups,” Lakers insider Jovan Buha wrote.
Head coach JJ Redick has recognized the issue early. Over the weekend, Redick challenged his team to improve its rebounding because, if it doesn’t, it isn’t going to bode well for them.
“JJ Redick said LA’s plan for when Walker Kessler is off the floor is to have two of its bigger wings — he mentioned Luka Doncic, Adou Thiero and Sandro Mamukelashvili — on the floor in those lineups. He said LA needs to do a much better job of boxing out and gang rebounding,” Buha wrote.
The Lakers are looking to have a big season, but when Kessler is out of the lineup, Looney is the only other true big man they have. Others can play the position, but they are undersized for center.
LA will have to figure things out as the season progresses, and Kessler will need to get healthy soon. Redick has issued the challenge to his team; now, it is up to the players to respond.
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