Lakers coach JJ Redick praises Marcus Smart for excelling in defensive role
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LOS ANGELES — Head coach JJ Redick highlighted Marcus Smart’s impact after the Los Angeles Lakers’ 106-101 comeback victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on March 3, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena.
Smart, who joined the Lakers on a two-year contract following a buyout from the Washington Wizards, finished with 10 points, seven assists and three rebounds, but his four steals and three blocks drew most of Redick’s attention.
“I thought Smart was incredible tonight,” Redick said postgame, adding that center Jaxson Hayes also changed the momentum in the second half. “He gave us life.”
Redick emphasized the need to match the Pelicans’ physicality, specifically citing Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey, and credited Smart for meeting that challenge on the defensive end. The coach noted that the rally from a late deficit resembled the team’s early-season successes during a 15-4 start.
According to Redick, Smart has “starred in his role” over the past five to six weeks by anchoring the defense and energizing teammates with timely plays such as steals that lead to transition baskets.
Smart’s scoring often depends on opportunities created by the Lakers’ primary scorers, but his versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, take charges and dive for loose balls. With the 2025-26 regular season winding down and the Western Conference standings tight, Redick said he is relying on veterans like Smart to prevent further slip-ups.
Now in his first season with Los Angeles—and after previous years with the Boston Celtics—Smart described playing for the NBA’s two most storied franchises as a unique experience.
Source: LakersNation.com
