Smart Says Resilience, Veterans Driving Lakers’ 12-4 Record
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The Los Angeles Lakers opened the week at 12-4, good for second place in the Western Conference, after holding off the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Sunday night. Guard Marcus Smart, one of the club’s key offseason additions, credited veteran composure for the strong start that contrasts sharply with the team’s middle-of-the-pack statistics.
“It’s our resilience,” Smart told Spectrum SportsNet after the 105-97 victory at Delta Center. “Every game presents something new, and our vets do a great job controlling tempo, tempers and emotions to make sure we finish the job.”
Record Outpaces the Numbers
Through 16 games, the Lakers own a 115.8 offensive rating (15th in the NBA) and a 113.3 defensive rating (14th). They rank 26th in three-point percentage, 28th in turnover rate, 11th in rebound rate, 21st in assist rate and sit 15th in point differential. Despite those middling marks, Los Angeles has won four straight.
Smart acknowledged the shooting woes but expressed confidence they will improve. “We work too hard not to,” he said. “We’re winning games while being one of, if not the worst, three-point shooting teams in the league. Once we clean that up and get everyone back in their normal roles, you’ll see a different team.”
Short-Handed Win in Utah
Starting center Deandre Ayton was ruled out for the second half Sunday with an undisclosed injury. In his absence, forward Maxi Kleber logged 14 minutes and guard Gabe Vincent played 20. The Lakers trailed 72-68 when Kleber entered at the 6:59 mark of the third quarter; they outscored Utah 16-9 the rest of the period and limited the Jazz to 22 points over the next 16 minutes.
Head coach JJ Redick praised the reserves for sparking the defensive stand that sealed the win, the team’s second against Utah in five days.
Los Angeles returns home later this week looking to extend its streak while continuing to rely on the resilience Smart highlighted—and hoping its numbers soon match its place in the standings.
Source: Lakers Nation
