The Lakers close out the preseason with more shadows than lights

Los Angeles Lakers closed the preseason with a loss to the Denver Nuggets (106-121) that left more doubts than certainties. JJ Redick's team finished with two wins and three losses and showed that it still needs to adjust many pieces. Without LeBron James , the challenge is to build a competitive project around Luka Doncic , but the early signs invite caution.

The start of the game was especially worrying. Denver dominated 36-22 in the first quarter and even enjoyed a 17-point lead , taking advantage of the mistakes and defensive fragility of the Angelenos. The Lakers finished shooting 42.7% from the field and committed 14 turnovers . The later reaction was not enough to hide their problems against an intense defense.

Too many shadows over the Los Angeles team

Another concern lies in rim protection and the ability to compete physically. The Nuggets found far too many easy chances near the basket - Nikola Jokic finished with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists - and exploited the Lakers' difficulties in closing down space and controlling the boards. Walker Kessler, expected to provide an interior presence, finished with six points and six rebounds. If they do not improve defensively, they will struggle against the most powerful opponents in the West.

LeBron's departure also forces Doncic to take on even greater responsibility. The Slovenian finished with 15 points, four rebounds, and two assists in 18 minutes , although he committed five turnovers. Austin Reaves contributed 19 points , but the connection between the two of them and the new center still needs more time to develop.

' JJ Redick also does not have his rotation completely defined. The coach is still searching for the most balanced combination to support Doncic and Reaves , while injuries and preseason experiments make continuity difficult. "I’m looking for balance in the lineups and players who complement each other and fit together" , Redick explained, according to the Los Angeles Times. The lack of clarity in the roles and the need for more alternatives to organize the offense are still pending issues.'

I’m looking for balance in the lineups and players who complement each other and fit together

There were a few flashes, with interesting contributions from Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Ziaire Williams, but not enough to change the overall picture. The Lakers need to cut down on turnovers, raise their defensive intensity, and find a collective identity that goes beyond Doncic's talent.

Preseason does not deliver a verdict, but the Los Angeles team enters the official start with more questions than certainties and the feeling that the transition after LeBron's departure will be more complicated than expected.