The LA Lakers disappointed in their season opener, losing to the Golden State Warriors 119-109. The scoreboard, however, told us a familiar story. It honestly begs the question whether we really expected better in LeBron James’ absence. After the halfway mark, they fell apart, despite flashes of brilliance in spurts. Head coach JJ Redick didn’t hold back in his post-game interview, pointing out specific recurring issues that’ve plagued the team for months.

“The trend I see is that we continue to be a terrible third-quarter team to start. That was last year, that was the preseason,” JJ Redick said bluntly.

The Lakers ranked 26th in the league in second-half points and 27th in third-quarter scoring last season. And to make things worse, the Dubs have historically been successful in executing scoring bursts late in games. They were 6th last season for second-half points. The LA side’s struggles in the third quarter allowed the Warriors to build a 17-point lead and run away with the game.

JJ Redick continued, reflecting on the changes they will require to make. “Got to rethink some things, and it’s a two-way thing with the guys. What do they need at halftime to make sure they’re ready to play? They’re not ready to play to start the third quarter,” the HC said, bringing the shared responsibility between players and coaches to the forefront. He signalled that late-game execution needs refinement to prevent any more collapses in crucial games.

When asked about team discipline, Redick was more positive. “Pretty good, actually. Outside of a few buckets there in the third quarter, pretty good,” the head coach said.

Redick, who signed a contract extension this offseason, also addressed the turnover issues that plagued the team, especially in the first half. “Trying to throw a lob pass to DA, ends up being a turnover… It’s mostly self-inflicted,” he said, trying to explain the 15 first-half turnovers they registered.

The HC’s insights also reflected what assistant coach Nate McMillan said during a mid-game interview, noting that spacing and ball-handling issues had allowed the Warriors to go on a scoring run.

“It shows up more on defense… there’s going to be growing pains with that, hopefully it’s not long. It’s more organization than knowing guys’ tendencies,” JJ Redick said. With all the offseason additions and managing an early case of sciatica with LeBron James, the Lakers are desperately trying to find their rhythm, and the head coach knows that structural cohesion remains the main challenge.

Jimmy Butler out-duels Luka Doncic in opener; what have the Lakers learnt from it?

Jimmy Butler came into the season opener with questions around his health after he had rolled both ankles in training camp. There were doubts about his readiness, especially since he missed three preseason games for the Warriors, but the veteran quickly erased them. He played aggressively, drawing a game-high 16 free throws and converting every single one, proving pivotal in allowing Golden State to get out ahead early.

Butler recorded 31 points, five rebounds, and four assists along with his free throws, and Golden State was a +20 with him on the floor and a -10 with him sitting, showing just how impactful his presence was.

Meanwhile, JJ Redick’s Lakers struggled. Luka Doncic showed out, dropping 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, but his team barely got going. Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton struggled, recording 5 and 4 turnovers, respectively. The Purple and Gold side also went 8-32 from beyond the arc, with only Rui Hachimura and Jake LaRavia connecting on more than 25% of their threes.

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Going into their next matchup against the Timberwolves, the Lakeshow needs to showcase a better understanding of each other’s tendencies on the floor, primarily to prevent turnovers on missed passes, such as the failed Deandre Ayton lobs from tonight.

Redick’s squad needs to foul less on defense (like Austin Reaves tonight), as it puts more offensive pressure on an already loaded Doncic, who has to fill a huge LeBron James void. Lineup tweaks, like starting a taller wing like Jake LaRavia instead of Gabe Vincent, could also help stabilize their performance and reduce simple mistakes.