Decided to shake off the rust and write about the NBA more this season. Consider checking out my Substack, Beyond the Box Score for a unique perspective on hoops: btboxscore.substack.com/p/th…

Darius Acuff Jr. shot 12-for-32 (37.5%) across two games against the Lakers. JJ Redick said Acuff was able to get to the midrange, but that they lived with the results. Why? Because of rearview contests. Let's jump into the film with a short thread🧵: This first clip shows Adou Thiero picking Acuff up on the inbound, initiating early ball pressure. Once Acuff crosses the timeline, Raynaud sets a ball screen. Kevon Looney is playing in a drop and Thiero goes over, turning him into a rearview pursuer. Thiero is clipped by the screen, but watch as he recovers behind Acuff and executes a perfect contest on the midrange jumper.

Marveled at this Matisse Thybulle no dip 3 against SAC.

Austin Reaves is playing tonight, per JJ Redick.

The NBA and its referees are focusing more on off-arm push offs by offensive players this season. How will it affect the Lakers? Overall, I think it’s net positive. So do JJ Redick and Austin Reaves. @LakersSBN silverscreenandroll.com/lake…

Here's the play JJ alluded to:

Luka and Mamu partaking in some friendly trick shot competition.

Matisse Thybulle on guarding Luka and Austin in practice: “They make you work so hard. Getting to play against two of the best offensive players in NBA every day primes me for what to expect.”

Bronny James lighting it up.

Here’s Walker Kessler in some PnR/Pop drills.

Bronny James says, though he appears to be slimmer, he’s around the same weight but has a better diet and has been running a lot.

Young Bull, Collin Sexton towards the end of practice.

Takeaways from Lakers training camp today: - Chris Mañom impresses - Role definition - Walker Kessler perimeter shooting @LakersSBN silverscreenandroll.com/lake…

A lot came out of day 2 of Lakers training camp. A good deal of defensive optimism and some candid JJ Redick comments. Recapped it all here for @LakersSBN: silverscreenandroll.com/lake…

I asked JJ about this today. Here’s what he said:

Luka going to work.

Austin Reaves says Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams are two of the best defenders in the league. Said he’s had to play against them and it hasn’t been fun.

The Lakers are a franchise adorned in bright lights, stars and, above all, pressure. Walker Kessler and their other new additions are embracing it. My story from #Lakers media day. @LakersSBN silverscreenandroll.com/lake…

First Lakers media day. Let’s get it! Follow along for quotes throughout the day. @LakersSBN

Here for the Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick press conference. Follow along for updates. @LakersSBN