New Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart says head coach JJ Redick’s feel for the game is still under-appreciated, crediting the former NBA sharpshooter’s intelligence for quickly earning the locker room’s respect.
Speaking on the team’s official YouTube channel, Smart said Redick “doesn’t get a lot of credit for his IQ and ability of reading the game,” noting that Redick’s 15-year playing career has translated smoothly to the sideline.
Redick’s debut year set the tone
Redick, hired last summer, guided Los Angeles to 50 wins in his first season despite multiple roster shake-ups and the mid-year arrival of superstar Luka Doncic. The Lakers bowed out early in the playoffs, but front-office leaders expect the 40-year-old coach to build on that experience in 2025-26.
Off-season additions bolster defense
The Lakers have added starting center Deandre Ayton and the 31-year-old Smart on bargain contracts after both veterans reached buyout agreements elsewhere. Smart, a 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, missed significant time the past two seasons with hand and foot injuries but says he is fully healthy and eager to anchor Redick’s defensive schemes.
Pelinka opts for patience
General manager Rob Pelinka preserved the club’s future draft assets, choosing instead to mine the buyout market for experienced help. The strategy yielded two projected starters without sacrificing picks, a move viewed internally as a major off-season win.
With Western Conference rivals also upgrading, Los Angeles heads into training camp expecting stiffer competition. Redick’s competitive edge and the early endorsement from Smart suggest the coaching staff and roster remain aligned as the Lakers chase deeper playoff success.
Source: Lakers Nation
