Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised Quentin Grimes’ two-way impact, provided a positive update on Adou Thiero, and stressed that the Lakers must still meet their standards even when playing without their stars after a preseason loss against the Warriors.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick offered a closer look at how several key players could fit into the rotation following the team’s 124-98 preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.
Position
SG
Age
26
Height
193 cm
Weight
95 kg
Birth place
Houston, United States of America
Quentin Grimes has been one of the more encouraging performers for Los Angeles so far, and he followed that up with another solid outing against Golden State, finishing with 12 points.
Redick sees two-way value in Quentin Grimes
Redick believes Grimes can be an important piece offensively because of his ability to create an initial advantage and then keep the possession moving on the second side.
“I think he’s a guy that, if needed, can create some advantages and for that second side action can finish advantages offensively,” Redick said.
Grimes’ impact has not been limited to offense, either. Redick has also been pleased with his defensive effort throughout training camp and the opening stretch of the preseason.
“I think his commitment to the defensive end has been really good throughout camp and in these first two games. We’re excited about him,” Redick said.
The Lakers enter the season with several options on the wing, including Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams, giving Redick multiple defensive-minded players to work with.
For now, though, the rotation remains unsettled.
“That’s undecided,” he said. “I think we have really good depth with those wings, if everybody’s healthy. So we’ll figure that out. We still have two more weeks, whatever it is, till opening night. So there’s still time.”
Adou Thiero’s health remains key to development
Redick also discussed second-year forward Adou Thiero, whose progress was limited by health issues last season.
Thiero gave the Lakers a brief scare against the Warriors after landing awkwardly following a monster dunk, but Redick said the 22-year-old appeared to be fine.
“It was kind of a goofy landing, but popped up, made the free throw. Yeah. I think he was fine,” Redick said.
Redick added that simply staying healthy and getting consistent practice time has already helped Thiero make progress.
“Again, this is the longest sustained stretch where he’s been able to work and develop and practice and all that stuff,” Redick added. “So he just continues to get better, and that’s what he can control right now is when he is healthy, he’s getting better, and he’s working.”
Redick still expects Lakers to win without stars
Despite seeing some positives during the preseason, Redick made it clear he was not satisfied with the Lakers’ performance against Golden State.
Even with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler sitting out, Redick said he still expects the team to compete at a winning level and meet the standards he has set.
“We’ve had a handful of these games where you’re missing star players and a lot of your depth. I still expect to win and I still expect us to play to our standards,” Redick told reporters.
“That first half did not meet my expectations and I let them know that. You can still hold them accountable. And I do think they respond.”
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