Overview

• The Lakers opened preseason with a 103-81 loss to the Suns, with offensive execution described as disjointed.
• In 21 minutes, Jarred Vanderbilt posted 1 point, 2 rebounds and 0-for-4 shooting, adding one steal and one block.
• JJ Redick called Vanderbilt a bright spot for his ball pressure and defensive disruption on the perimeter.
• Redick said Vanderbilt looks like his pre-injury self and intends to keep him on the wing rather than in a backup center role.
• The coach expects gains as conditioning improves and cited work on Vanderbilt’s jumper, while analysis suggests league-average three-point accuracy could secure more minutes and strengthen L.A.’s defense.