The Lakers’ loading dock at their temporary home in the Palm Springs area let out a sigh of relief.

It was the first time since the end of the preseason that the Lakers’ regulars halted play in the third quarter following a loss to the Phoenix Suns. They had successfully completed training camp, proving to themselves that they have the skills necessary to become the elite team they had hoped for.

Coach Darvin Ham praised his team’s communication, saying, “I’m impressed with the guys communicating, the continuity of before I could even have a chance to say anything in terms of correcting something — be it defensively, offensively.” They’ve been discussing it amongst themselves already. Simple adjustment to the team’s playcalling after giving careful thought to all of its options.

“… We can make a name for ourselves.”

The Lakers, despite their strengths, still have some obvious flaws. After injuries to Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Lakers’ bench needed a dynamic scorer. The Lakers’ struggles in transition were a problem all of last season, and they persisted even with LeBron James matching Kevin Durant basket for basket for the first half.

“Activity and communication. These are the two main things that Anthony Davis stressed. You’re out there trying to find a mate while also being single. You can’t just drop by your man’s place; you have to actively seek out a romantic interest. You should return instead of following your partner and then attempting to strike up a conversation.

Even though the Lakers’ top focus this season is transition defensive improvement, they still want D’Angelo Russell to keep up his impressive play.

Russell averaged 5.7 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.5 three-point makes per exhibition game this season.

To paraphrase Ham, “I feel like he’s going to have a big, big year.” The summer was when this forecast was made. Taking note of the viciousness with which he was hurting his own body. To behold the ferocity of his weightlifting sessions. Once again, adversity brings people together.Despite how challenging [the conference finals series] was, it did not represent who he is as a basketball player. From what I’ve observed of him, he’s been indoctrinated in a very particular way, and hearing that only adds fuel to the fire.

They’ll start the season on the road in Denver on Tuesday before welcoming the Suns to town on Thursday.

Preseason scoring leader Austin Reaves is likely to be eligible for the Lakers when the regular season begins. Reaves represented the United States in the FIBA World Cup.

According to Reaves, the emotions are returned. We had a plan and stuck to it. Yes, I am in peak physical condition. At this point, I feel like I’ve had enough practice. The season has given me a sense of optimism, and the breeze is refreshing. In general, this is a pleasant moment. I’m eager for the season to start off again.

The Lakers were 2–4 in the preseason, showing enough promise to warrant optimism but yet facing enough adversity to temper that optimism.

As the Lakers neared the end of the preseason, they were without three key players: Jarred Vanderbilt (sore heel), Chris Vincent (tight back), and Kyle Hood-Schifino (sore knee). But apart from that, we have everything we need as a team.

I was pleased with how our group spoke. What we’re capable of has been shown,” Davis remarked. Our coach said, “Now we get a couple of days to kind of regroup and tighten the screws up and go back into an environment we just ended in and try to get our first win.”