The plan, at least as it was conceived, was for the Lakers to come to Phoenix on Thursday night and go through a practice that mimicked a regular season game.
They would prepare for the Suns by going over a scouting report and the type of game day routine they will adopt for the regular season. They would extend starters’ minutes and try to mimic real game substitutions.
But even before JJ Redick became the coach of the Lakers, he knew that plans were only as good as the paper they were 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 get to live things exactly the way you want in this league very often, and that’s okay.”
In those three points, the ellipses, Redick arranged everything. LeBron James, going into the 22nd year, will get extra rest. Rui Hachimura, who felt a slight strain in his calf, will take the time to get it right. Austin Reaves didn’t push his sore ankle too much. Gabe Vincent won’t be a risk, after missing last season with a knee injury, and Max Christie’s minor hip soreness wasn’t worth long minutes.
Read more: Lakers newsletter: JJ Redick says communication is key to being a good coach
The Lakers dress rehearsal Thursday in Phoenix, which ended with a Lakers 128-122 overtime victory, will immediately take a backseat to caution.
The team, Redick said, was still able to go through its normal pregame routine, even if Cam Reddish and Christie needed to move into the starting lineup without James or Hachimura.
James is also expected to rest in the Lakers’ preseason finale Friday at Golden State.
Anthony Davis probably wrapped up his preseason as well, playing 34 minutes scoring 35 points. He started off incredibly hot from three-point range, making four from deep in the first quarter.
He wasn’t the only Laker to get hot from deep.
Newbie Dalton Knecht had his best game of the preseason, scoring 25 of his points in the fourth 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 drilled a three over 7-foot-3 Bol Bol to force overtime.
Devin Booker scored 22 for the Suns and Kevin Durant added 19.
Read more: Lakers newsletter: All these preseason road games seem unnecessary
In addition to the Lakers not getting the idealized tryout they wanted, the team also won’t have their idealized roster on opening night.
Redick announced that Jared Vanderbilt will not be allowed to return by opening night despite his recovery from offseason foot surgery continuing to progress.
“His rehab and return to play is going well and progressing in a very positive direction. It’s very likely that we won’t have an update for you for probably the next two weeks, so he won’t be ready to start the regular season,” Redick said. of a long-term approach. The training, medical staff, Jared himself, we’re all on board. It’s a long season, and we want to make sure he’s right.”
Because even as the preseason draws to a close, Redick and the Lakers know they still have time.
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
