Overview
- Redick said he is “looking at everything” defensively and warned that persistent failures will force changes to his nine-man rotation.
- The coach indicated Jarred Vanderbilt will get opportunities if the struggles continue, and the forward said he is eager to help after playing three minutes across the last 10 games.
- Los Angeles ranks in the bottom tier defensively, including a league-worst 21.6 fast-break points allowed per game over the past seven contests and a 21st-ranked defensive rating.
- A 132-119 NBA Cup quarterfinal loss to the Spurs featured 27 fast-break points against the Lakers, prompting film sessions that players said exposed lapses in aggression and fundamentals.
- Reaves was diagnosed with a Grade 1 left calf strain and will be out about a week, with Redick emphasizing a cautious approach as the team visits Phoenix next.