Welcome to this week’s Lakers newsletter. It’s been a long time since we started reaching your inbox, and even longer since I especially got into my inbox.
So let me introduce myself again. Hello, my name is Thuc Nhi Nguyen.
After spending most of his career covering the University Sports and, for a short time, the Chargers, he ended up taking over the Lakers Beat for the Times. I’m from Seattle and divorced from the NBA in 2008, but moving to LA for work made me interested again, especially the Lakers, who have a huge influence on the city.
After many twists and turns, I have been smiling forever and can’t believe this is my life. It will undoubtedly mark (for better or worse) a historic Lakers season, joining the legendary legacy of Times beat writers. Let’s have a fun drive.
First impression
I’m not the only one who’s been involved in this beat for the first time. The Lakers have made key offseason reinforcements for three potentially important roles this season, with DeAndre Ayton and Jake Laravia making their unofficial debuts as the preseason began.
Ayton was the biggest contractor. After the Trail Blazers bought out Ayton’s contract, the Lakers scooped up the 7-foot center to fill the most needed position. The former No. 1 overall pick, aiming to resurrect to the league’s top position, believed that the third team would be their “last chance.”
But when he only scored one goal, it sounded empty. He lost both shot attempts from the field with a blowout loss.
After the game, Ayton said he focused more on the defensive end to send a message to his teammates and coaches that he could become the dominant rim protector he needed. He had two blocks.
However, coach JJ Reddick said the team’s three centers (Ayton, Jackson Hayes and dual-wielding Christian Coroco) were unable to fully demonstrate their mobility in the first game of the preseason. The trio is more athletic and mobility than any centre group in the league, Reddick said. However, I was unable to reach the screener level when I needed it. Reddick is confident that the Lakers can solve the details of their defense.
“We’re going to ask (Ayton) to do a lot defensively,” Reddick said. “And he was the anchor of Final Defence, so he can do that.”
Ayton, who helped the Suns advance to the NBA Finals in 2021, doesn’t care about being the center of attention. “Pressure is a privilege,” he said multiple times on Media Day.
Lalavia feels new pressure in her first season with the Lakers. The 23-year-old, born in Pasadena, previously played for Memphis and Sacramento, admitted that wearing a purple and gold uniform felt different.
Lalavia shrugged when asked if she had any highlight plays from early training camp. “It’s not actually my game,” he said. A humble approach makes him an ideal addition to LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves already have plenty of offensive power.
Reddick appreciates the versatility and energy of 6-7 Lalavia. As Reeves missed the second game of the preseason and placed all three of his team’s top playmakers on the bench, Laravia suddenly realized he was dealing with the ball much more than he expected. Reddick thought that Lalavia seemed to be “speed up” in this role. He had two turnovers. Reddick expects Lalavia to launch attacks from time to time, but that’s not his main responsibility. A brief preseason experience in unique circumstances will continue to help LaRavia.
“Luca, LeBron and AR are in the lineup and it’s obviously different if I pitch to them,” said Laravia, who scored 10 points and three assists against Golden State on Sunday. “I’m going to be a spacer rather than a connecting player on the ball. But anyway, I’m able to do both things comfortably.”
Guard Marcus Smart is another big-name added in the offseason, but has yet to play in the first two games of the preseason game. He is battling Achilles tendon disorder.
Second impression
For the first time as a head coach, Redick has overcome a year of chaos, both public and private. Reddick lost his home in a devastating wildfire. A month later, the Lakers traded for Doncic. They made their way to the third seed of the West, but lost to Minnesota, and Redick was criticised for playing in the same five-player lineup throughout the first half. A year later, he admitted that he could “better.”
This year, I’m looking forward to seeing how Reddick, a longtime player, continues to grow into up-and-coming NBA coach Reddick.
Reddick has already built friendly relations within the organization. He earned an extension prior to training camp based on the four-year contract he signed last year. It felt like an unexpected move to extend the rookie head coach in a year and then lose in the first round of the playoffs, but for an organization that could undergo major changes soon (James is in the final year of his contract), locking head coaches gives the impression that they are at least stable.
One important person has been approved, which is expected to be a mainstay for years to come.
“It was great to be able to work with JJ,” Doncic told Media Day. “I hope I can work until my career is over.”
Favorite things I ate this week
There is one thing I like to talk more than sports. food. Welcome to a part of the life of a sports reporter.
Before my Sunday preseason game in San Francisco, I had lunch at Tuette My and shared my Vietnamese roots. My family is from Hue, Vietnam. Hue was the former capital of the empire and is known for its court cuisine. When I ordered Hue’s classics, “Bumbo Hue” and “Bainbeo,” the restaurant owner immediately recognized my Hue accent. Of Hue’s local cuisine, my favorite is Bainbeo. Steamed rice cakes are topped with shrimp, mung beans and pork. It’s rare to miss out on any restaurant menu. But mom is the best after all.
Why not take a meal lecture at nearby NBA City? When you explore the league for the first time. Inland states, sliced tomatoes are not eaten in sandwiches or sushi. Everything else is a fair game.
In case you missed it
Until next time…
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