The Los Angeles Lakers have done more than just replace a rotation that JJ Redick effectively inherited roughly two years ago. They've surrounded Luka Doncic with players who fit his preferred style of play, handed Redick a roster that actually fits his system, and created internal competition that should fuel internal growth.
Though it may not always show up in the box score, the Lakers have strengthened their team by improving the quality of players who will be practicing against one another.
That's an admittedly broad statement that could be confused with a declaration of an increase in talent. That's not necessarily the case, as the Lakers' improvement is built upon a foundation of being able to push themselves more in practice by virtue of the strengths of the players in place.
Per Khobi Price of The California Post, Austin Reaves discussed how the Lakers' new defensive wings are pushing him to improve—and Matisse Thybulle echoed the sentiment in reverse.
Austin Reaves said earlier in training camp that the Lakers' group of wings all "annoy the hell out of me" with their defense during practices.
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) October 3, 2026
Matisse Thybulle says guarding Austin and Luka Doncic will make practices harder than games: "You have to work so hard!" pic.twitter.com/KIp6fghpr7
Though the Lakers certainly practiced hard before, the influx of defensive specialists along the perimeter and interior has created the perfect environment to push everyone to a higher level.
Lakers are sharpening iron with iron with new personnel in practice
Adding proven defenders such as Quentin Grimes, Walker Kessler, and Mathisse Thybulle should instantly improve the quality of the Lakers' practices. They had players who were willing to defend in the past, but all three of Grimes, Kessler, and Thybulle are revered for defense in specific.
Their presence has also translated to player such as Ziaire Williams stating that those around the defensive specialists can't slack off on the defensive end of the floor.
That inspires faith that some of the Lakers' less committed defenders will thus elevate their standards in this new environment. It also promises to push some of the less refined offensive players on the roster to improve their skill levels in order to overcome the challenges they face before they're even in a game.
Simple as it all may sound, that type of competitive practice environment is exactly what the Lakers needed to bring the best out of players in featured and even less prominent roles.
For defenders, having to guard Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and the cast of shooters around them will prepare them for most perimeter-oriented challenges they face. For offensive players, having to get past the length and athleticism that's been assembled, as well as the players with top-tier defensive instincts, will better prepare them for regular season and postseason settings.
After years of fielding rosters that seemed to prioritize talent and offensive proficiency over defensive quality, the new-look Lakers have the balance they need to turn practice into an opportunity for growth.
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