JJ Redick Pinpoints Lakers’ “Bright Spot” in Blowout Loss to Suns
The Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason got off to a rocky start on Friday, Oct. 3. JJ Redick’s team suffered a 22-point loss to the Phoenix Suns (103-81).
Despite being blown out, Redick found some positives in his team’s performance. When speaking to the media during his post-game news conference, he pinpointed
“I thought Vando played extremely hard and was very disruptive,” Redick said. “…He was a bright spot tonight. I thought his physicality, disruption defensively was good. As he builds his conditioning, I expect him to be an elite offensive rebounder for us this year. He’s really worked on his shot, I know it didn’t show tonight. But he’s worked on his shot and he’s getting more and more comfortable shooting spot-up 3s. So I expect him to be an impact player for us.”
Vanderbilt’s first two seasons with the Lakers have been decimated by injuries. He played in just 29 games in the 2023-24 season and followed that up with 39 regular-season outings in the 24-25 campaign. Clearly, Redick is hoping Vanderbilt can stay healthy, especially due to what he provides defensively on the perimeter.
Redick Hopes Lakers Have “Pre-Injury” Vanderbilt
During the same news conference, Redick noted how Vanderbilt’s production in the early days of preseason is giving him hope that he’s back to his pre-injury best.
“It looks like we do have the pre-injury version of Vando,” Redick said. “I’ve talked a lot with him this summer about just like that he got put into a tough spot, post-trade, because he had to play the five, there weren’t other options. Just play small, had to be the backup five, they were our two options. So, I think getting him back on the perimeter, his body being in a good place from an athleticism and agility standpoint, will be super helpful for our team.”
Last season, the Lakers ranked 17th in the NBA for defensive rating, allowing 113.8 points per game. Rob Pelinka has moved to fix some of those defensive issues this summer.
However, having Vanderbilt back and healthy will also be a huge boost to Redick and the
Lakers Face Warriors Next
Los Angeles will be back in action on Sunday, Oct. 5. The second game of their preseason preparations will be against the Golden State Warriors
Nevertheless, the Lakers will undoubtedly want to get into the win column. Even though these games don’t count, it’s important to build some momentum and stack some preseason wins. Nevertheless, Redick will likely be focused on seeing signs of improvement from his rotation. Fitness, understanding of the system’s principles and overall cohesion will be among the key indicators of how the
Vanderbilt will undoubtedly want to continue impressing and proving his value to the organization. After two difficult years, this could be the season where he finally shines. Hopefully, a healthy season from him can get the franchise one step closer to a championship.
Dodgers’ Dave Roberts stuns fans by dismissing Roki Sasaki’s impact amid closer debate!
Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Questions Roki Sasaki’s Closer Potential
In a surprising turn of events, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has stirred the pot by dismissing the potential impact of Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki in the ongoing debate over the team’s closer role. This statement has left many fans and analysts scratching their heads, especially given Sasaki’s impressive track record.
Sasaki’s Rising Star
Roki Sasaki has taken the baseball world by storm with his exceptional performances in Japan. Known for his blazing fastball and sharp slider, Sasaki has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting young pitchers today. With a dominant presence on the mound, he has continually drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats.
Despite this, Roberts appears unfazed by Sasaki’s accolades. The manager emphasized that while Sasaki is undoubtedly talented, the Dodgers have established depth within their bullpen that may not necessitate the integration of the young pitcher into the closer role.
Roberts’ Perspective on the Bullpen
Roberts has expressed confidence in the current closer options available to him, suggesting that the team’s existing pitchers possess the qualities needed to secure games in high-pressure situations. This assertion raises questions about the Dodgers’ strategy moving forward, particularly as they approach the postseason.
The manager’s comments have sparked debate among fans, many of whom see Sasaki as a potential game-changer for the Dodgers’ postseason run. With the pressure of the playoffs looming, the choice of who takes the mound in crucial moments is critical.
What Lies Ahead for the Dodgers
As the Dodgers gear up for the playoffs, the closer situation remains a focal point of discussion. While Roberts may downplay Sasaki’s impact, the young pitcher’s impressive skill set cannot be ignored.
It will be interesting to see how this debate unfolds as the team prepares for the challenges ahead. The Dodgers have a history of making bold moves, and the decision on their closer could very well shape their postseason fate. With the clock ticking, fans will be eager to see who ultimately takes the mound in those pivotal moments.
Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Questions Roki Sasaki’s Closer Potential
In a surprising turn of events, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has stirred the pot by dismissing the potential impact of Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki in the ongoing debate over the team’s closer role. This statement has left many fans and analysts scratching their heads, especially given Sasaki’s impressive track record.
Sasaki’s Rising Star
Roki Sasaki has taken the baseball world by storm with his exceptional performances in Japan. Known for his blazing fastball and sharp slider, Sasaki has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting young pitchers today. With a dominant presence on the mound, he has continually drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats.
Despite this, Roberts appears unfazed by Sasaki’s accolades. The manager emphasized that while Sasaki is undoubtedly talented, the Dodgers have established depth within their bullpen that may not necessitate the integration of the young pitcher into the closer role.
Roberts’ Perspective on the Bullpen
Roberts has expressed confidence in the current closer options available to him, suggesting that the team’s existing pitchers possess the qualities needed to secure games in high-pressure situations. This assertion raises questions about the Dodgers’ strategy moving forward, particularly as they approach the postseason.
The manager’s comments have sparked debate among fans, many of whom see Sasaki as a potential game-changer for the Dodgers’ postseason run. With the pressure of the playoffs looming, the choice of who takes the mound in crucial moments is critical.
What Lies Ahead for the Dodgers
As the Dodgers gear up for the playoffs, the closer situation remains a focal point of discussion. While Roberts may downplay Sasaki’s impact, the young pitcher’s impressive skill set cannot be ignored.
It will be interesting to see how this debate unfolds as the team prepares for the challenges ahead. The Dodgers have a history of making bold moves, and the decision on their closer could very well shape their postseason fate. With the clock ticking, fans will be eager to see who ultimately takes the mound in those pivotal moments.
