The Los Angeles Lakers used their Northern California preseason trip to test an emerging defensive identity and offensive structure.
The two games produced sharply different results, with a win over the Sacramento Kings followed by a heavy loss to the Golden State Warriors.
According to Yahoo Sports, the contrasting performances also reflected changing player availability during preseason.
Depleted Lineup Against Golden State
Against the Warriors, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle and Collin Sexton were unavailable.
Kessler's absence again left Los Angeles without the 7-foot-2 rim protector it acquired from the Utah Jazz.
Reaves and Sexton's absences also removed two primary ball handlers behind Doncic.
With limited training camp practices remaining before regular-season competition, Yahoo Sports noted that teams are still developing their systems and personnel combinations.
The clearest evidence of Los Angeles' intended style came against Sacramento, when a more complete group demonstrated the pressure and physicality emphasized since the roster was assembled.
Players including Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle, Quentin Grimes, Jake LaRavia and Adou Thiero took turns applying full-court pressure.
The approach generated more deflections, steals and forced turnovers, according to Yahoo Sports.
Doncic highlighted the defensive energy created early against Sacramento, particularly from Williams and Thybulle.
"Especially with Matisse and Ziaire, [the defense at the beginning] of the game [against the Kings], that's contagious for everybody.
It was inspirational," Doncic said.
The Lakers' offense is expected to continue running through Doncic and Reaves once Reaves returns.
Yahoo Sports reported that Los Angeles is also working to have Doncic operate off the ball more often before using teammate screens to bring him into actions.
Head coach JJ Redick viewed the early preseason work as useful evidence that the team can build from its intended approach.
"You can look at any game, or any practice, and find good stuff to build on. So, yes, it's encouraging," Redick said.
The Lakers still have to integrate more of their primary players before the regular season, while the preseason continues to provide opportunities to establish their defensive habits and offensive structure.
