The plan, at least as conceptualized, was intended for Lakers come to Phoenix on Thursday night and participate in a drill that mimicked a regular season game.
They would prepare for the Suns by reviewing a scouting report and what type of game routine they would adopt for the season. They extended the minutes of the starters and tried to imitate real substitutions.
But even before JJ Redick became the Lakers’ coach, he knew that plans sometimes aren’t worth the paper they’re written on.
“You don’t often live in an idealized world in this league and that’s OK,” Redick said before the Lakers’ fifth preseason game. “…You don’t experience things exactly the way you want in this league very often, and that’s fine.”
Redick explained everything. LeBron James, heading into year 22, was going to benefit from some extra rest. Rui Hachimura, who felt a little tension in his calf, was going to take the time to recover properly. Austin Reaves wasn’t going to push his sore ankle too hard. Gabe Vincent wasn’t going to take any chances after missing almost all of last season with a knee injury, and Max Christie’s slight hip soreness wasn’t worth significant minutes.
Learn more: Lakers Newsletter: JJ Redick says communication is key to being a good coach
The Lakers’ dress rehearsal, which ended with a 128-122 overtime victory, would take a backseat to the warning.
The team, Redick said, was still able to go through its normal pregame routine, even though Cam Reddish and Christie had to move into the starting lineup in the absence of James and Hachimura. James is also expected to be rested during Friday’s preseason finale at Golden State.
Anthony Davis probably finished his preseason, playing 34 minutes while scoring 35 points. He started incredibly hot from three-point range, scoring four points from deep in the first quarter.
He wasn’t the only Laker to warm up deep. Beginner Dalton Knecht had his best game of the preseason, scoring 25 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter and overtime – catching fire as the Lakers bench playfully fanned those flames.
After missing a game-winner against the Suns in Palm Desert earlier in the preseason, Knecht made a three over 7-foot-3 Bol Bol to force overtime, one of eight threes by Knecht.
Devin Booker scored 22 for the Suns and Kevin Durant added 19.
Learn more: Lakers Newsletter: All those preseason road games seem pointless
In addition to the Lakers not having an ideal rehearsal, the team also won’t have its full roster on opening night. Redick announced that Jarred Vanderbilt would not be allowed to return despite his continued recovery from offseason foot surgeries.
“His rehabilitation and return to play are going well and progressing in a very positive direction. It’s very likely that we won’t have an update for you probably in the next couple of weeks, so he won’t be ready to start the regular season,” Redick said. “We kind of take a long-term approach. The coaching, the medical staff, Jarred himself, we all agree. It’s a long season and we want to make sure he’s right.
Because even though the preseason is about to end, Redick and the Lakers know they still have time.
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This story was originally published in Los Angeles Times.
