JJ Redick got his first taste of being an NBA head coach on the sidelines Friday when the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 124-107, in their opening preseason game.
Redick was without his star duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He also chose to limit his starters’ minutes, instead taking a closer look at the younger talents and high-end rotation players.
Still, there was a lot to learn from how the team played and who showed up and showed out during the contest. Here are three takeaways:
Dalton Knecht will contend for a rotation spot
Knecht was selected with the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He impressed during the Las Vegas Summer League and got off to a hot start in preseason, too. The rookie forward went 7-for-13 from the field for 16 points, tying Austin Reaves for the highest points total within the Lakers’ rotation.
