Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick did not mince words after Monday’s defeat to the Detroit Pistons, stressing that missing veteran guard Marcus Smart because of an ankle injury was a decisive factor in the 110-104 setback.
“Not having Smart tonight killed us,” Redick told Spectrum SportsNet following the game. “We need to get healthy so we can play our rotation.”
Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, has become a cornerstone of the Lakers’ recent resurgence. Since arriving in a mid-season trade, he has supplied perimeter defense, secondary ball-handling and the energy that fuels the team’s now-established nine-man rotation. Entering Monday, Los Angeles had won nine straight with Smart anchoring the backcourt alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James.
Without Smart and forward Rui Hachimura (also sidelined), Redick was forced to shuffle lineups. He praised Jarred Vanderbilt for stepping in effectively but said Smart’s specific skill set was irreplaceable. “You need Smart for his ballhandling, you need Smart for his defense, you need Rui for his shooting,” the coach noted.
Redick added that the Lakers have played “good basketball” whenever all nine regulars—acquired after the Luke Kennard trade—are available. The club hopes to have both injured players back soon as it navigates a late-season road trip and gears up for the playoffs.
The loss to Detroit ended Los Angeles’ longest winning streak of the season, which had lasted nearly three weeks. The Lakers, now 42-25, continue the trip Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Source: Lakers Nation
