JJ Redick's old comments are aging well.
The Los Angeles Lakers intend to sign veteran guard Marcus Smart to a deal following his recent contract buyout with the Washington Wizards, and Lakers head coach JJ Redick is sure to be excited about the addition.
Redick has worn many hats over the past five years: NBA player, basketball analyst, media personality and now NBA head coach. In a nearly five-year-old clip from Redick’s former podcast, The Old Man and the Three, he praised Smart’s value, especially his energy and defensive impact.
“If I’m picking a basketball team, I want him on my team,” Redick said. “He gets under guys’ skin, he competes… he’s just a guy that makes winning plays consistently.”
Smart has been a defensive force since entering the league. While his best days may be behind him, he’ll look to revitalize his career alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James under Redick’s leadership in Los Angeles.
MORE: Insider seemingly reveals Celtics level of interest in Marcus Smart
The former No. 6 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Smart spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Celtics before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. During his time with Boston, he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in the 2021-22 campaign, becoming the first guard to win the award since Gary Payton in 1995-96.
However, Smart has shown signs of regression over the past two years. During that span, he played for two teams and appeared in only 54 regular-season games due to injuries.
Now, the Oklahoma State product joins a Lakers squad aiming to contend for a title in what could be James’ final season.
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Category: Basketball
