Lakers coach JJ Redick has recognized Austin Reaves' defensive prowess.

Austin Reaves of the Lakers has shown new coach JJ Redick what he can do on defense during training camp. Reaves has proven himself with many impressive plays on offense this summer. (Mark Terrill/Associated Press)As coach JJ Redick extolled Austin Reaves’ game and how much more is expected out of him this season from him and the Lakers, Redick also mentioned defense. No doubt Reaves is no lock-down defender himself but has shown Redick during training camp and preseason that he knows how to guard. Redick said of Ball after Tuesday’s practice for the Lakers that while he never considered Ball as being weak defensively, he competes hard on that end of the floor. Ball knows his assignments; when instructed to veer or drop low he does so as required.” “He certainly performs as expected; he just does a lot of great things on the court. When Reaves spoke to media representatives and was informed of Redick’s remarks about Reaves playing good defense, Reaves raised an eyebrow before smiling broadly while asking, “So did he mean I wasn’t?” Reaves asked Redick whether Reaves was being taught defense correctly; Redick answered in the affirmative and asked Reaves whether that was good thing; Reaves’ response? “Well, hopefully so! “, Redick stated. Reaves responded “Yeah I hope so”. Reaves said it’s better than being out-of-place and struggling. A solid foundation and system help identify when, and where rotation should occur as well as assistance is provided by services available nearby. As you guard the ball, having Anthoniy Davis on the back row gives you confidence as you defend. Not only that but if they throw it to any corner he or she may also be there as backup protection.” It gives a good feeling when guarding an offensive play knowing X [teammate] may also be present and I can be more aggressive knowing I know they will come for him (or vice versa). “Ultimately, my biggest focus has always been putting faith into what we’re building and in Reaves as an individual player,” Reaves has made his presence known during three seasons with the Lakers. Reaves has displayed his abilities with various tasks; something which made his return easier this season than in years prior. Redick sees more potential in Reaves; “we’ve had numerous conversations throughout this offseason, as well as having seen it already in practice,” Redick stated. “He has had only limited options so far in his career; so, we will try and open up more choices for him, just making him more dynamic. “I am truly amazed at his off-ball abilities; his passing ability is uncanny; and his pace creator abilities allow for fast pace both off the ball and on it make for one dynamic offensive player.” Redick joked about 50 threes per game being necessary this season; 40 is an acceptable number based on last season. Last season the Lakers shot 31.4 threes per game for third fewer attempts overall in the NBA. They made 11.8, which was seventh fewest. Meanwhile, their 37.7% shooting rating placed eighth out of all teams in preseason play. Through two preseason games they have attempted 72 threes with 21 made (29.1%). So while they may be taking more shots at threes than expected in this preseason series against Milwaukee Bucks they may yet find more success this Thursday in Milwaukee when meeting them up again for another preseason contest. “Yeah, 40 is quite a lot, but as long as they’re quality threes then that is an impressive number,” Redick commented. “Ideally I would like for us to average five or six more threes each game but you must remain conscientious in how they’re being generated. “I believe we did an effective job of getting good looks throughout. There were only a couple forced ones off of transition off of dribbling early in the first half.” On offense, we should’ve capitalized on more offensive rebounds in the second half to keep ball movement going and create better chances. I like our overall mindset to shoot when set and make good threes.” Subscribe now for all things Lakers-related: sign up here! This story first appeared in Los Angeles Times