The Los Angeles Lakers finally started Marcus Smart alongside Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton after months of fans pleading for that unit to be implemented. Head coach JJ Redick was forced to navigate multiple injuries, but was using Rui Hachimura in Smart’s place when everyone was healthy. Supporters wanted the defense of Smart, and finally got their wish as they hosted the Clippers on Friday night.
The Lakers' starting lineup against the Clips had played just 12 total minutes together before the contest. Redick had been opting for Hachimura’s size and shooting, but LA desperately needs perimeter defense. Smart is their best option, and the head coach is finally leaning into that.
It was an impressive start for this group. The Lakers scored 41 first-quarter points, and Redick had an easier time balancing the units with Hachimura and Luke Kennard coming off the bench. The Lakers got a win over a rival in the first game after the All-Star break. Fans knew this was the right call, and the coach finally listened.
JJ Redick finally put Marcus Smart in the Lakers’ go-to starting lineup
Friday was just the 11th game where Luka, LeBron, and Reaves played together this season. King James was sidelined to start the year. Then, AR went down with a calf injury, and Luka was sidelined for a couple of games after his backcourt partner's return. Fans don’t fully know what to expect from their ideal lineup.
The Lakers need Smart’s energy and infectiousness on the floor with their stars. The 6’3 wing can help keep the ball moving and will have them bought in on defense. He is the perfect fit in nearly any unit, but even more so when Los Angeles needs exactly what he’s known for.
Hachimura and LeBron have overlapping skills that make them far from the ideal fit. Smart was always the superior answer. It just took coach Redick a bit of time to figure it out. Thankfully, he got there to start the stretch run. The Lakers certainly need all the help they can get to make a deep postseason run
Smart likely wanted to play a bit more on Friday night, but the bench was dominating the Clippers early on. It limited the 31-year-old a bit, but the Lakers got the win. That is all that matters.
The veteran guard finished with seven points, two rebounds, one steal and one block on Friday night, including three clutch buckets. It was far from his best game, but coach Redick is doing his best to make sure he succeeds. The Lakers got strong nights from Luka and AR and picked up a win. This was unquestionably a positive step for a team fighting to secure a playoff spot.
Putting Smart in the starting lineup allowed Coach Redick to utilize the ideal second unit as well. Luka Doncic led things with Hachimura and Luke Kennard flanking him. That opened the floor for number 77. Fans know what Doncic can do with shooters around him, and he proved it again against the Clippers.
JJ Redick and the Los Angeles Lakers are finally starting the lineup fans wanted since training camp kicked off. It should have always been Marcus Smart over Rui Hachimura. The head coach resisted it until after the All-Star break. At least Redick finally reached the obvious conclusion, and it immediately resulted in a win. Now, the coach has to stick with it.