Trying to make sense of preseason basketball is a dangerous game. However, to call the games completely meaningless would be just as risky. There is a careful line to tiptoe that can offer worthwhile conclusions.
With that said, here is an honest effort to find three of those from the Los Angeles Lakers' decisive 127-103 win over the Sacramento Kings on Monday.
1 — Lakers' decision to pick Sandro Mamukelashvili over Rui Hachimura made sense quickly
Look at the box score for Sandro Mamukelashvili and you may have a hard time deciphering just why the Lakers opted to give him the money that could have gone to Rui Hachimura instead. That may even be doubly true after Hachimura's explosive debut with the Los Angeles Clippers.
This is a very clear case of the box score not telling the full story.
Mamukelashvili finished the night with a modest eight points, shooting 3-of-8 from the field and 2-of-4 from beyond the arc, while chipping in one rebound, five assists, and two steals. What those numbers will not tell you is how Mamu immediately stood out as a more natural fit in the new schemes.
The Lakers ran a lot of action on Monday that involved early offense, making quick reads, and finding that extra pass. Mamukelashvili's strong decision-making in those moments popped on the screen. The Georgian big man operated seamlessly within JJ Redick's new-look approach.
Hachimura has several areas in which you could argue him as a better player than Mamukelashvili. Offensive IQ is not one of those. Mamu has the former Laker comfortably beat there and that quickly suggested why Rob Pelinka opted for the new signee instead.
2 — Bronny James is closer to the Lakers rotation than getting cut or traded
One of the biggest storylines that has been following the Lakers throughout the offseason involves questioning how they intend to finalize the roster. For anyone thinking it would come in the form of getting rid of Bronny James, that appears to be a tough sell after Monday night.
With no Austin Reaves or Collin Sexton available, Redick tapped Bronny for minutes early in this one. James saw the court before Jaden Hardy or Dalton Knecht. Those are both guys many have assumed are competing with him to stay on the roster.
If the matchup against the Kings was an indicator, Bronny is leading that group. Hardy did not see minutes until the third quarter. Knecht only touched the floor in the fourth. James looks to be fairly safe by comparison to those Lakers peers.
3 — Jake LaRavia's confidence is back
There were several Lakers who stood out mightily in the win on Monday. There is a case to be made for Jake LaRavia leading that list.
LaRavia's energy on both the offensive and defensive end was more than encouraging. The Lakers forward even finished the night leading the Lakers in plus-minus at +27.
LaRavia has been a bit of an afterthought in the wing competition by comparison to the more exciting new arrivals like Ziaire Williams or Matisse Thybulle. The same can be said when contrasting him to his second-year teammate Adou Thiero. If Jake can bring more of what the Lakers saw on Monday, there should be a regular role for him in the rotation this season.
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