JJ Redick believes that one of the newest La Lakers stars will be a key figure for next season.
The Los Angeles Lakers are out of what can be considered a very successful offseason for them, dealing with many needs.
Things didn’t start strong, but Rob Perinka cost Lakers’ Dorian Finney Smith, but the front office eventually came.
The Lakers signed Jake Laravia and DeAndre Ayton, increasing depth in the center and wing position.
But perhaps the most important move was Lakers Landing Marcus Smart, thanks to Luka Doncic. JJ Redick certainly believes he will become an important asset for the team next season.
JJ Redick spoke to Spectrum SportsNet as part of the LA Lakers Media Day. When discussing Marcus Smart’s role on the team, he was enthusiastic by praisering former defensive player of the year.
Reddick claims that Smart has the respect of Lakers locker room due to his previous achievements and his veteran position in the NBA, and believes he can play a leadership role in the team.
“I told him this when I recruited him… His voice would be really important to us. He respects the locker room for everything he’s done in his career, because of the way he plays this game and how he plays.
“He also respects the locker room because he was in the deep playoff run and had the opportunity to play in the NBA Finals.
“So his experience, his voice, his natural energy will be huge for our team.”
There’s no denying that one of the Lakers’ biggest weaknesses in the second half of the season is their defense.
After losing Anthony Davis in the Luka Doncic trade, the Lakers had no natural offensive defenders on their roster.
With Marcus Smart you have a wi-skilled and skilled defensive player who can protect the best boundary scorers of the opposition.
Neither Smart nor Reddick are concerned about his starting role on the roster, knowing that he will bring the right energy to his team even when he enters the game.