JJ Redick isn’t too concerned about the Lakers’ chemistry on the court

That question prompted Lakers coach JJ Redick to say he’s “not fighting” with his answer.

Asked if the Lakers were missing out on opportunities to practice more and build on-court chemistry due to their packed six-game preseason schedule, Redick was quick to ask why reporters were concerned about the situation.

“You guys are really harping on this,” Riddick replied.

So, Riddick was asked, is it something or is it nothing?

“I’m not fighting right now,” Reddick said. “I just want to admit that, like the last four days, I’ve become a bit obsessed with all these questions about missed opportunities. So, I’ll answer them again. These are the cards we’ve been dealt. I’m sure I’d like everyone to be healthy.”

Making the most of the situation, the Lakers outplayed the Golden State Warriors 126-116 Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena despite not playing with LeBron James (sciatica), Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart (Achilles tendinopathy).

Redick said the plan is for Smart to get two games [in] this week.”

The Lakers have three preseason games remaining: Tuesday at Phoenix, Wednesday in Las Vegas against the Dallas Mavericks and Friday against the visiting Sacramento Kings — four games over six days.

Redick was reminded that the Lakers as an organization elected to play six preseason games — the maximum allowed by the NBA.

“I think it’s something that needs to be discussed moving forward,” Reddick said. “I think it’s great. I really think it’s because we got to play in Palm Springs and I think it’s great that we get to play in Vegas and I realize there are Lakers fans all over the world that probably don’t get the opportunity to see us play.”

“You hope we can find some kind of balance in the future to have more training time and less travel time. I’m sure at some point we will be one of the teams that will travel abroad, so that adds another scenario.”

For training camp purposes, practice tends to be more beneficial in team building than preseason games, Reddick said.

“I think more practices would be helpful,” Reddick said. “I think being exposed to game situations and playing against an opponent is very helpful. You don’t have a lot of days anymore and try to cram six games in there. [and] “Four games in six nights, it’s very difficult.”

Against the Warriors on Sunday, Austin Reaves (21 points), Dalton Knecht (16), Rui Hachimura (16) and Deandre Ayton (14 points, eight rebounds, five assists) led the way in their games.

For Ayton, who was six-for-eight off the field and had a blocked shot, his joy came from the fans cheering him on. Sure, it was just a pre-season game, but Ayton loved the atmosphere and positive energy he felt.

This was Ayton’s first time playing at Crypto.com Arena since he signed a two-year, $16.6 million contract with the Lakers.

“The whole arena shocked me today when I heard the fans and everyone cheering,” Ayton said. “It was kind of an unusual sound other than the booing… everyone was showing love and welcoming me to L.A. I played freely and had a lot of fun.”