Lakers Counting on Healthier Smart and Vanderbilt to Boost Perimeter Defense
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LOS ANGELES — Head coach JJ Redick believes the Los Angeles Lakers can tighten their perimeter defense this season if newcomer Marcus Smart and forward Jarred Vanderbilt stay on the court.
“With a healthy Vando and hopefully a healthy Marcus, our ability to put more pressure on the basketball earlier in the defensive possession will be a real thing,” Redick said during training camp.
Smart close to full speed
Smart, acquired in the offseason, has been limited by Achilles tendinopathy but is expected to be cleared by week’s end, according to Redick. The former Defensive Player of the Year has appeared in just 54 games over the past two seasons.
“I’ve talked with JJ about what he expects from me on both ends, especially defense,” Smart said. “He told me, ‘If we’re going to get the Celtics Marcus Smart, that’s who we want and need.’ I’m ready to give everything I’ve got every night.”
Vanderbilt benefits from full summer
Vanderbilt missed the first three months of last season after surgeries on both feet and did not debut until January 25. The forward said a complete offseason of training has him better prepared for 2025-26.
“It feels great having a full summer under my belt,” Vanderbilt said. “I was able to work on my game and my body, so I’m not playing catch-up this year.”
Additional camp updates
- Maxi Kleber was scheduled for an MRI on Wednesday after tweaking his quad on the second day of camp. Redick indicated the injury does not appear serious.
- Redick named Smart, Gabe Vincent and Jake LaRavia as backcourt rotation certainties alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
- Center Christian Koloko said the current roster is “more hungry” after last season’s finish, adding that the team understands what it takes to reach the next level.
Source: Hoops Rumors
