What We Learned from the Lakers 26-27 Preseason Loss to Golden State
The Los Angeles Lakers fell 124-98 to the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. With their primary playmakers resting, head coach JJ Redick used the matchup to test the team’s depth and experiment with secondary lineups. Several bench players sparked energetic scoring runs, but mistakes across the game exposed tactical issues the Lakers will need to address before opening night in the Western Conference. Offering a glimpse of the Warriors' future. Their head coach knows their style is outdated, but the team looks promising based on this performance.
Not Taking Care of the Ball
Los Angeles’ biggest struggles came down to ball security and perimeter defense. The team turned the ball over 22 times, giving Golden State 25 points off those mistakes and control of the game’s tempo. Without its primary ball handlers, Los Angeles’ second unit struggled to handle Golden State’s aggressive pressure. The Warriors also exploited defensive miscommunications, knocking down 15 threes and shooting 51.2 percent from the field. Shoring up point-of-attack defense remains a key priority for the coaching staff.
Despite the team’s scoring struggles, forward Sandro Mamukelashvili lifted the second unit. The six-foot-11 big man scored 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including three makes from beyond the arc. His perimeter touch, floor-stretching range, and transition effort add valuable spacing to the offense. If he keeps up that efficiency through training camp, Mamukelashvili could earn a trusted role as a bench big who opens up the floor.
The Lakers Trinity of Scorers
Beyond the frontcourt’s production, dynamic guard Jaden Hardy brought an aggressive scoring spark off the bench, tallying 13 points and three assists in 19 minutes. Quentin Grimes added 12 points, hit two three-pointers, and drew five trips to the free-throw line, while rookie Dalton Knecht contributed 11 points in 22 minutes. The trio showcased plenty of scoring potential, but their combined nine turnovers highlighted the need for steadier decisions under defensive pressure.
Preseason results rarely tell the whole story, but this matchup gives Redick and his staff a valuable chance to learn and improve. As key starters return, Los Angeles must sharpen its rotations, cut down on empty possessions, and sustain its defensive focus for all four quarters. As training camp enters its next phase, the team has little time to waste fine-tuning its defensive principles and taking better care of the ball. Addressing these areas now will help prepare the roster to compete when the games start to count.
