Lakers report leaner Luka Doncic and team-first goal from Austin Reaves
Following two days of training camp ahead of the season, the Los Angeles Lakers have revealed four positive developments, including a noticeably leaner Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves outlining a purely team-first goal, and head coach JJ Redick adjusting his approach entering his third season, a report said.
Luka Dončić Drops Weight and Takes Reins as Title Aspirants
The most visible shift in the early days of camp centers on Dončić. Trainer Jordan Richard shared a recent training video of the star guard, noting that Dončić appeared significantly leaner. Frequently dogged by questions regarding his physique in past seasons, Dončić entered media day without evading expectations, stating directly that the Lakers’ sole objective is winning a championship. ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst noted that Dončić’s future contract extension will depend on the team’s trajectory, requiring the franchise to demonstrate forward momentum this season.
Austin Reaves Targets Team Wins Over Individual Statistics
Alongside Dončić, backcourt partner Austin Reaves defined his personal benchmark for the upcoming campaign with a singular focus. Asked about individual improvements during training camp, Reaves stated simply that he wants to win a high volume of basketball games and expressed indifference toward personal statistics. With LeBron James having departed the franchise, Reaves faces an expanded role as a secondary playmaker and ball-handler who must orchestrate the offense whenever Dončić rests.
JJ Redick Adjusts Coaching Demeanor in Year Three
Entering his third year at the helm, Redick has undergone noticeable changes since stepping into the professional coaching ranks. Reaves joked that the coach has acquired a few gray hairs while praising his high basketball IQ and competitive drive. Redick acknowledged that early in his tenure he sometimes felt like he was merely playing the part of a coach, but he now feels more comfortable as his responsibilities expand. He noted a deliberate shift in emotional control, explaining that while anger fueled his own competitive playing days, displaying that emotion as a head coach creates obstacles. Maintaining a calm demeanor allows him to properly evaluate rotations, schemes, and player temperaments.
New Defenses Led by Ziaire Williams, Sabonis, and Kessler Test Backcourt
The tactical adjustments implemented by Redick and his staff have immediately altered the team’s defensive profile. Reaves reported that scoring in practice has proven difficult against Ziaire Williams and Sabonis, while Walker Kessler anchors the paint to contest drives. Reaves described facing the new defensive unit over the first two days of camp as thoroughly difficult. Redick praised Williams for his length, physical toughness, defensive fundamentals, and motor.
The front office structured the roster to surround Dončić and Reaves with younger, athletic defenders capable of running the floor, addressing defensive concerns that persisted through previous iterations of the team.