Introduction to the Lakers Newsletter
Welcome to this week’s Lakers newsletter. It’s been a long time since we’ve been in your inboxes and even longer since I specifically have. So please allow me to (re)introduce myself: Hi, my name is Thuc Nhi Nguyen. After spending most of my career covering college sports and, briefly, the Chargers, I’m taking over Lakers beat coverage for The Times.
Getting to Know the New Additions
The Lakers made three key offseason additions that could play major roles this season, and Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia made their unofficial debuts as the preseason started. Ayton was the biggest signing, a 7-foot center looking to reestablish himself at the top of the league. He believed his third team would be his “last chance.”
Ayton said after the game he was more focused on the defensive end to send a message to his teammates and coaches that he could be the dominant rim protector they need. He had two blocks. But coach JJ Redick said the team’s three centers — Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, and two-way player Christian Koloko — didn’t use their mobility enough in the first preseason game.
Coach JJ Redick’s Expectations
Redick has already established good will among the organization, being awarded a contract extension ahead of training camp. One important person who figures to be a mainstay for years to come approved. “It was great to work with JJ,” Luka Doncic said at media day. “Hopefully we can work till the end of my career.”
Redick values the 6-7 LaRavia for his versatility and energy. When Reaves sat out of the second preseason game, putting all three of the team’s top playmakers on the bench, LaRavia suddenly found himself handling the ball much more than anticipated. Redick thought LaRavia looked “sped up” in the role.
Favorite Foods and Exploring the League
There is one thing I like talking about more than sports: food. Before Sunday’s preseason game in San Francisco, I channeled my Vietnamese roots for lunch at Tuyet Mai. My family is from Hue, Vietnam, which was the former imperial capital of the country and is known for its royal cuisine.
Left: banh beo, steamed rice cakes with shrimp and mung bean. Right: bun bo Hue, spicy beef noodle soup, a specialty from Hue, a city in Central Vietnam.
(Thuc Nhi Nguyen / Los Angeles Times)
Catch Up on Recent News
In case you missed it, here are some recent articles about the Lakers: With their big three out, Lakers work on ‘championship habits’ against Warriors, Why Luka Doncic didn’t play in Lakers’ preseason opener against Suns, Lakers’ Luka Doncic easing into training camp after hectic offseason, Jake LaRavia, at only 23, fits right into Lakers’ future plans, LeBron James looking at slow ramp-up to Lakers season, ‘Angry’ Deandre Ayton not taking his ‘last chance’ for granted with Lakers, ‘I don’t know’: Lakers’ LeBron James unsure when it comes to future, Plaschke: LeBron James is ‘maybe’ retiring? This is going to be fun.
Get in Touch
Your basketball takes are welcome! What are you most curious about this Lakers season? What can I find out for you? Slide into the inbox: thucnhi.nguyen@latimes.com, and please consider subscribing if you like our work! Read more about the Lakers Here
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