Lakers' Preseason: Five Players Who Stood Out and Those Who Struggled

The Lakers opened their preseason with plenty of anticipation surrounding the team’s new core. While the spotlight was mainly on the Big 3, several other players caught attention, some positively and others less so.

Standout Performer — Sandro Mamukelashvili

It didn’t take long for Lakers fans to find a new favorite in Mamu. His ability to contribute in multiple ways made him a versatile threat. Some games saw him sinking a series of three-pointers; others featured surprising reverse dunks. Most nights, it was a combination of these efforts that energized both his teammates and the crowd. He quickly proved he can impact games through hustle and adaptability.

Disappointment — Jarred Vanderbilt

The influx of new wing players diminished Vanderbilt’s role significantly. Head coach JJ Redick’s tendency to bench Vando, even when the team needed him, led to limited minutes during the preseason. Often, Vanderbilt didn’t see the floor until late in the fourth quarter despite injuries and lineup experiments. Though valued for his chemistry and presence in the locker room, his chances to play remain scarce.

Bright Spot — Ziaire Williams

Williams impressed from the very start of preseason practice, quickly emerging as a standout. Even after missing some time due to injury, he appears poised to claim a starting spot once the regular season begins. After being waived by the Nets and signing a minimum contract with the Lakers, his strong preseason puts him in a good position to build on this momentum.

Struggling Players — Jaden Hardy and Dalton Knecht

Before training camp, there was talk about a competition between Hardy and Knecht for the final roster spot. Surprisingly, both seemed to fall short. Based on their preseason minutes, Knecht looks likely to miss out. Hardy’s performance was underwhelming as well, and although the Lakers might keep one of them, neither made a strong case for securing a spot. Rob Pelinka, the President of Basketball Operations, typically prefers having an open roster slot at the start of the season.

Encouraging Development — Jake LaRavia

LaRavia’s previous season was up and down. After a promising start, he struggled and appeared hesitant during the playoffs. This preseason, though, shows a fresh approach with a revamped shot and improved confidence. His shooting form may look unusual, but he’s connecting consistently. If this trend continues, LaRavia could become a reliable wing option for the Lakers.