The Los Angeles Lakers hold a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, despite being without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, according to an April 24 announcement from head coach JJ Redick. The team has relied on contributions from Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard, with Smart’s leadership playing a key role both on and off the court.
Redick said that his experience competing against Smart gave him confidence in the guard’s ability to perform under pressure. “Number one, I competed against him and I competed against him in the playoffs, so I know what kind of competitor he is,” Redick said. “I got to watch him as a newly-retired player compete at the highest level and play in the Finals. So I knew that the moment and the stage was not going, being a Laker, was not going to affect him.”
Smart has contributed 40 points, 15 assists, and six steals through two games. Redick also highlighted how analytics supported bringing Smart onto the team during free agency: “It’s easy to write somebody off as being older and not being as good, but all the analytics defensively, all the analytics as a secondary playmaker were very favorable. So we felt really comfortable bringing him on board.”
Redick credited an important conversation with Smart after three consecutive losses earlier in San Francisco for helping turn things around for Los Angeles. “I’m not gonna share those details,” Redick said of their discussion, “but the biggest thing was because he has the voice he has, he can help create belief and confidence in our group. I think he’s done that.”
For his part, Smart expressed gratitude for having another opportunity to contribute during playoffs after injuries threatened his career: “For me, it’s very important,” Smart said. “I’m very grateful to be doing this. I thank God every day… So to be able to be back on this stage again… with this team… I’m just grateful.”
The Lakers will continue their series in Houston aiming to build on their early success.
