JJ Redick isnt overly concerned about Lakers

The query triggered Lakers coach JJ Redick to say he was “not being combative” with his reply.

Asked if the Lakers are lacking alternatives to observe more and construct on-court chemistry because of their busy six-game preseason slate, Redick was fast to marvel why reporters have been so concerned about the state of affairs.

“You guys are really harping on this,” Redick responded.

So, Redick was requested, is it a factor or is it not a factor?

“I’m not being combative right now,” Redick said. “I just want to acknowledge that you guys, like the last four days, like it’s becoming a little bit obsessive with all these questions about opportunities lost. So, I will answer it again. These are the cards that we were dealt. I sure would like everybody to be healthy.”

Making the most out of the state of affairs, the Lakers held off the Golden State Warriors 126-116 Sunday night time at Crypto.com Arena despite not taking part in with LeBron James (sciatica), Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart (Achilles tendinopathy).

Redick said the plan is for Smart to “get two games [in] this week.”

The Lakers have three remaining preseason video games: Tuesday at Phoenix, Wednesday at Las Vegas against the Dallas Mavericks and Friday against the visiting Sacramento Kings — 4 video games over a six-day span.

Redick was reminded that the Lakers as an group have chosen to play six preseason video games — the utmost allowed by the NBA.

“It’s something to be discussed I think going forward,” Redick said. “I think it’s awesome. I really do because we got to play in Palm Springs and I think it’s awesome that we get to play in Vegas and I recognize that there’s Lakers fans all over the world that maybe don’t get the chance to see us play.

“You hope that we can find some sort of balance in the future to get more practice time, less travel time. I’m sure at some point we’ll be one of the teams going overseas, so then that adds another scenario.”

Redick did say for training camp functions, observe tends to be more helpful in staff building than preseason video games.

“I think more practices would be beneficial,” Redick said. “I do think the exposure to a game situation and playing against an opponent is very beneficial. You don’t have a lot of days anymore and to try to cram six games in there [and] four games in six nights, it’s significantly difficult.”

Against the Warriors on Sunday, Austin Reaves (21 factors), Dalton Knecht (16), Rui Hachimura (16) and Deandre Ayton (14 factors, eight rebounds, 5 assists) have been on top of their video games.

For Ayton, who was six for eight from the sphere and had a blocked shot, his pleasure got here from the followers cheering him on. Sure, it was only a preseason recreation, but Ayton cherished the vibe and the optimistic power he felt.

It was Ayton’s first time taking part in at Crypto.com Arena since he signed a two-year, $16.6-million deal with the Lakers.

“It hit me in the whole arena today just hearing the fans and everybody cheering,” Ayton said. “It was kind of an unusual sound other than boos. … It was everybody showing love and welcoming me to L.A. I played so freely and I had a lot of fun.”