JJ Redick and Austin Reaves spoke about the impact of Marcus Smart on the Los Angeles Lakers following Monday’s loss to the Detroit Pistons, according to Benjamin Royer of Southern California News Group.
Reaves highlighted Smart’s willingness to do the little things, along with his defensive presence and competitive energy, calling the veteran guard the team’s “glue guy.”
Redick, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of getting the roster fully healthy as the playoffs approach.
He noted that the team has looked strong when its full rotation has been available following the Luke Kennard trade.
“That’s important for us, that we can get healthy and we can play our rotation,” Redick said Monday night.
“Post-Luke (Kennard) trade, I think when all nine guys have played, we’ve been a good basketball team. … You need Smart for his ball-handling, you need Smart for his defense, you need Rui for his shooting.
“Those pieces are important to complement everybody. And you know, we need to finish the season strong, but we also need to finish the season healthy.”
Notes on Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, Bronny James, and more on the Lakers: https://t.co/NGet7fScT4
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 27, 2026
