Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick once envisioned playing alongside Marcus Smart, though that dream never materialized. Now, with Smart joining the Lakers for the 2025-26 season, Redick will have the opportunity to coach the player he has long admired. This move highlights the excitement surrounding Marcus Smart joins Lakers team efforts.
Shortly after Smart signed a two-year contract with the Lakers, an old video of Redick praising Smart resurfaced and quickly went viral on social media. In this clip from 2020, Redick stressed that he wanted Smart on any team he assembled because of Smart’s relentless energy and passion, especially his intensity in fighting for every loose ball.
I love Marcus, and I think, you know, he’s like, if I’m picking a basketball team, I want him on my team,
Redick said during his podcast in September 2020.
He gets under guys’ skin. He competes. There’s a level of flopping to the Marcus Smart experience, but I think that overshadows all the other amazing stuff he does.
The Challenge of Facing Smart as an Opponent
Redick revealed that guarding him in games was always a tough challenge, especially when they faced off in Philadelphia. During his time with the 76ers, Smart’s defensive pressure made it difficult for Redick to get his shots off.
He’s a guy that just makes winning plays consistently,
Redick observed about Smart’s style.
When I was in Philly, and even my last couple of years in LA, when Marcus and Jaylen would guard me a lot, there was some banter back and forth at times, but ultimately, by the end of my time in Philly, the three of us just had a mutual level of respect.
I sort of acknowledged that to them, and they did to me, verbally. So, there’s no ill will at all from my part toward Marcus. I actually just enjoy watching him play. I like guys that compete like that.
Marcus Smart’s Role and Impact on the Lakers
Redick’s praise took place while he was with the New Orleans Pelicans during the disrupted 2019-20 season, relocated to Orlando due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His remarks anticipated the level of intensity Smart would bring to any team.
Although Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has been credited with recruiting Smart to Los Angeles, some speculate that Redick’s longstanding respect for Smart might have influenced the guard’s decision. According to insiders, Smart selected the Lakers over offers from the New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, and Phoenix Suns.
Lakers star Luka Doncic made a direct recruiting pitch to Marcus Smart this week that resonated with the veteran guard, league sources tell @TheSteinLine, after Smart’s agent Jason Glushon was granted permission by the [Washington] Wizards to explore potential post-buyout landing spots,
NBA insider Marc Stein reported via X.
Smart’s defensive prowess fills a crucial gap for the Lakers, who struggled defensively with guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves exposed in the 2025 playoffs. Known as one of the league’s top perimeter defenders, Smart’s presence is expected to strengthen the Lakers’ backcourt defense considerably.
Last season, Smart averaged 9.3 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals in just under 19 minutes per game for the Washington Wizards, a team reportedly in rebuilding mode. Smart has previously expressed frustration with playing for a losing team, which likely influenced his decision to join a more competitive Lakers squad.
Looking Ahead: What Smart’s Arrival Means for the Lakers
The addition of Marcus Smart signals the Lakers’ intent to improve defensively and contend more aggressively in the upcoming season. Redick’s early recognition of Smart’s competitive nature validates the team’s confidence in his contributions.
As Smart joins the Lakers, the synergy between him, Doncic, and Reaves will be closely watched, especially given the defensive lapses that challenged the team last playoffs. With Smart’s energy and defensive skills, the Lakers hope to build a more balanced, resilient roster for 2025-26 and beyond, bolstering their championship aspirations amid a competitive NBA landscape.