Christie, Knecht, Hood-Schifino Shine in Lakers' 124-107 Preseason loss to Timberwolves.

The score wasn't great (the Lakers lost 124-107), but with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in street clothes, to some degree the ability to judge the final score was eliminated before the game started. Nor is it wise to try and infer too, too much about what life under JJ Redick will look like, since a) the stars weren't playing, and b) they've practiced for less than a week. That put the focus on individual performances, and among the most intriguing players on the floor for LA were the young guys who didn't make an impact last year, either because they weren't in the rotation (Max Christie), weren't ready/available (Jalen Hood-Schifino) or in college (Dalton Knecht). And while the sample size is small, the early returns were positive. Christie was for large stretches the best Laker on the floor, showing great calm and command of what he was doing on the floor, and contributing across statistical categories. The poise is there, which is why Redick referred to him as an "old soul" after the game. He's someone the Lakers will ask to make a significant contribution this season, well above what he was given the opportunity to do a year ago. At the least, he looks confident in his ability to deliver. Knecht didn't shoot particularly well (2-7 from 3-point range) but still scored 16 points and showed the ability to score at multiple levels. And while the turnovers were too high (five on the night), Knecht looked like a player who can function within an offense and keep it moving, rather than a ball-stopping shooter/scorer. Finally, Hood-Schifino, who suffered through a horrible rookie year in which he was clearly overmatched early and then injured for the bulk of the year, looked light years more confident and physically capable. Basically, JHS looked like an NBA basketball player. A rotation level player? Way too early to say. But last year, he didn't look like he should be wearing the uniform. So this was a major improvement. Six assists, no turnovers, much higher confidence. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - guaranteed ! Visit FANDUEL.COM t o get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.