The Lakers’ wings are making an early impression on JJ Redick as defensive pressure and physicality shape the competition for minutes.
JJ Redick’s instructions to the Los Angeles Lakers’ wings are already showing up in training camp.
The group has supplied much of the defensive pressure through the opening two practices, disrupting possessions and making offensive players work before they reach their preferred spots. Redick said Wednesday that the effort was strong enough for the coaching staff to adjust the final portion of practice.
“We actually had to modify the latter third of practice because these guys were just giving great effort and physicality,” Redick said.
That is an encouraging development for a team building around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Their offensive responsibilities will be substantial, and the players surrounding them must provide enough resistance defensively to keep those contributions from being erased at the other end.
Wings are setting the defensive tone
Redick’s emphasis goes beyond collecting steals or delivering an occasional highlight block. The Lakers want their wings to disrupt actions early, apply pressure away from the ball and force opponents to spend more of the shot clock organizing their offense.
The distinction matters. A defender can create a turnover by taking a risk, but the same gamble can open a driving lane or leave a shooter uncovered. Consistent pressure requires knowing when to challenge the ball and when to preserve the team’s positioning.
For this roster, the ideal outcome is making opponents begin their attacks later and farther from the basket. That would reduce the number of possessions in which Dončić or Reaves must defend repeated actions against an offense operating comfortably.
Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams have drawn particular attention. Reaves praised both after Wednesday’s practice, highlighting their versatility and Thybulle’s anticipation. Redick also singled out Williams’ length, instincts and physicality.
Their early performances give the coaching staff specific defensive qualities to evaluate as it sorts through combinations.
Competition must translate into reliable minutes
Redick has identified Dončić, Reaves and Walker Kessler as starters, leaving two positions open to competition. That makes the wing group’s performance relevant to both the starting lineup and the broader rotation.
The challenge is balancing defensive impact with offensive usefulness. Players sharing the floor with Dončić and Reaves must recognize cutting opportunities, move the ball quickly and avoid allowing defenders to crowd the primary creators.
A strong practice defensively helps a player’s case. Sustaining that effort while contributing within the offense will provide a better argument for regular minutes.
Kessler’s presence also creates an opportunity for the perimeter group. With a rim protector behind them, wings can pressure ballhandlers more assertively, provided their decisions remain connected to the coverage.
The next test will come against unfamiliar opponents. Teammates learn one another’s tendencies, while preseason games introduce different spacing, personnel and offensive counters.
Redick will need to see whether the same disruption survives those changes without producing excessive fouls or missed assignments.
For now, the wings have given him an early reason to believe his defensive message is being understood. Maintaining that standard will help determine who earns the available minutes.
