When head coach JJ Redick declared recently, “We’ve asked all our guys to be in championship shape,” Los Angeles Lakers fans hoped the message signaled a locked-in start to the new campaign. That optimism, however, faced a harsh reality check on October 3.
Hopes of a sharp beginning were quickly dampened as the Lakers stumbled in their preseason opener against the Phoenix Suns, losing 103-81. After the game, players shared their thoughts on the team’s performance, and one of the most revealing comments came from new signing Jake LaRavia, who shed light on the instructions Redick gave him heading into the contest.
What Did JJ Redick Say to Jake LaRavia?
LaRavia joined the Lakers roster in July when he signed a two-year, $12 million deal. He is viewed as a player who can blend defense with floor spacing, and his potential role alongside established stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić has been closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
Following the game, during a post-match interview with Lakers analyst Raj Chipalu, LaRavia explained that Redick had emphasized a defensive-first approach for his preseason debut.
“When I talked with JJ, he pretty much just told me to defend with toughness, and I kind of think that’s what I do. My first year, I definitely struggled on the defensive end. So ever since then, I have focused every offseason on doing some defensive things. I think I would consider myself a pretty good defender,” said LaRavia during the postgame interview.
The 23-year-old forward appeared in purple and gold as part of the starting lineup with Austin Reaves, DeAndre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt. In his 19 minutes on the floor, LaRavia delivered a solid mix of hustle and efficiency. He tallied seven points on 3-of-6 shooting, drained a smooth three-pointer, grabbed five rebounds, and added one assist.
It was his defensive grit that stood out the most. From crashing the boards against taller opponents to staying versatile on the wing, LaRavia showed he was willing to embrace Redick’s challenge. A notable moment came early in the game when he muscled his way past Suns big man Nick Richards to secure a contested rebound, showing a commitment to the tough, gritty plays the coaching staff wants.
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Despite these individual flashes of effort from players like LaRavia, the overall team performance told a different story. The Lakers struggled right from the opening tip. By the end of the first quarter, Phoenix had already built a double-digit cushion, leading by 15 points. That deficit didn’t shrink much by halftime, as Los Angeles entered the break trailing by 13.
The situation turned disastrous in the third quarter, with the Suns extending their advantage to a game-high 27 points. While the Lakers attempted a late push in the final period, putting up 19 points, it was not nearly enough to close the significant gap. Phoenix coasted to a comfortable victory.
For LaRavia, however, the night offered more than just the final score. It was a chance to prove he can carve out a role as the type of defender and energy piece that Redick envisions for the roster. The challenge now is consistency, and whether he can maintain that defensive focus throughout the entire season remains to be seen.
