Luka Doncic spoke after the LA Lakers’ preseason closer against the Sacramento Kings about what the team was missing, and one star believes he has the answer.
The Los Angeles Lakers have wrapped up their preseason slate of games, losing to the Sacramento Kings at home.
This was the first extensive look we had at what the Lakers’ rotation will be, as several starters played heavy minutes. In fact, Luka Doncic played well into the fourth quarter before sitting down.
The Lakers’ preseason ends 1-5, but that might not be too much of a concern. The preseason, after all, is just a way for players to get their reps ahead of the new season.
But Luka Doncic identified a problem he saw from the Lakers throughout the preseason, and wants that problem to be addressed soon.
Luka Doncic says the LA Lakers lacked physicality in preseason
Luka Doncic spoke to reporters after the LA Lakers’ 118-117 loss to the Sacramento Kings. When talking about what the difference was in their play in practice and preseason games, the answer was obvious.
Doncic believes the Lakers need to do a better job of translating the physicality they play with during practice into games. He emphasized how important this is, especially with the different rotations they play.
“I mean, obviously, practices are different. I think, in practice, we are more physical. But like I said, we need to work on our physicality.
“Sometimes we’re going to have small groups out there, sometimes we’ll have a big group out there. There’s some stuff to clean up. Obviously, I think the physicality (was missing).”
In response to Luka Doncic’s comments, Marcus Smart chimed in and told the rest of the Lakers what they need to do to fix the problem.
Marcus Smart tells LA Lakers to follow his lead on the defensive end
Marcus Smart was asked by reporters about Luka Doncic’s comments. Smart kept it coy, telling the rest of the Lakers to follow his lead as he sets the tone on the defensive end with his energy.
“Just follow my lead. That’s really it. I’m gonna try and set the tone each and every night. They can just piggyback off me. There’s gonna be nights where I don’t have it.
“That’s part of the game; there are four other guys out there with you. Just really picking up what I’m putting down. Me, Vando, and Gabe go out there, and we try to bring the tone every time.
“So, if they can just follow us, which they can… we’re willing to do so. Once we get that under control, you’ll see a lot more physicality from the whole team.”
Luka Doncic recruited Marcus Smart to the Lakers primarily because of his defensive prowess. The former Defensive Player of the Year is still just 31 and can contribute at a high level.
How far can the Lakers go with Marcus Smart as their best defender? Well, if he’s close to the 2022 Boston Celtics version of himself, a run to the NBA Finals isn’t impossible.
