As the NBA season approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves embarking on an unconventional preseason filled with challenges and unique opportunities. Traditionally, teams utilize this time to strategically prepare for the regular season while also connecting with fans in familiar arenas. However, the Lakers’ current situation has compelled the team to navigate an entirely different path, venturing away from their home court due to significant renovations at Crypto.com Arena. This article explores the implications of such a travel-heavy preseason, the perspectives of key players, and the potential long-term effects on the team’s cohesion and performance.
The Logistics of Travel
LeBron James, a veteran leader known for his competitiveness, publicly questioned the necessity of the team’s 1,750-mile flight to Milwaukee for a singular preseason game. Posting on social media prior to their journey, he expressed his bewilderment, which resonated with many fans and analysts alike. The Lakers’ decision to conduct a nearly exclusive road tour stems from the ongoing renovations and a complete rebranding of their home arena, leaving the team not just homeless for their preseason games but also disconnected from their local supporters. The team will only be engaging in preseason games with fans from other cities, presenting a unique challenge for building team chemistry before the season kicks off.
New head coach JJ Redick openly acknowledged the unfavorable circumstances surrounding this unorthodox preseason schedule. His acknowledgment signifies an acute awareness of the hurdles his team faces. Historically, preseason games served as a platform to cultivate in-game dynamics among team members and showcase new plays in front of local fans. In contrast, this season’s approach may hinder the team’s ability to solidify their tactics and rotations. The Lakers will engage in the typical preseason grind by facing teams like the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns, but the compounded travel could have physical and mental repercussions on players.
Further compounding the travel challenges is the intensity experienced by star players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who recently performed on international stages. D’Angelo Russell empathized with James and Davis, indicating that their prior commitments would likely lead to load management during these preseason games. This raises questions about how the team will strike a balance between refining their strategies on the court and ensuring that their best players are rested and healthy ahead of the approaching season.
One significant downside to the Lakers’ current situation is the disconnect from their passionate fan base. Preseason games traditionally serve as an opportunity for fans to engage directly with their team, often witnessing first-hand the emergence of new talent or changes in gameplay. However, the decision to conduct their entire preseason on the road means the Lakers will miss out on those vital fan interactions within their local community. The historic franchises’ commitment to various engagements in non-NBA cities, encouraging fans from regions such as San Diego to Ontario, has also been disrupted. Consequently, the choice to play exclusively on the road might introduce a level of unease among players, which could affect their performance in less familiar environments.
As the Lakers leap into this uncharted territory filled with travel, they are poised to face an array of challenges that extend beyond simply preparing for the upcoming season. This peculiar preseason not only tests the team’s resilience but also provides an opportunity for individual players to shine in various circumstances. As the Lakers grapple with logistics, preparation, and maintaining fan engagement, they must adapt quickly and embrace the unique nature of their journey. The 2023 preseason may not be conventionally ideal, but the lessons learned and the potential for growth could ultimately yield significant dividends when the regular season commences, with the Lakers hoping to turn these hurdles into stepping stones toward success.