Lakers’ second-year head coach JJ Redick had to be smiling and thanking his lucky stars watching 31-year old Marcus Smart looking as spry and athletic on defense as the 27-year old version that had won a DPOY.
The Lakers desperately need better defense from their starting lineup and it’s obvious after Smart’s defensive performance against the Kings that he’s exactly what JJ Redick needs to turbo charge the starting lineup’s defense. Vincent will still start Tuesday night vs. Golden State as Redick probably wants to make sure Smart can sustain a high level of play and stay healthy. Once he shows that, Redick will quickly move him into the starting lineup.
What makes Smart a better option as the Lakers’ fifth starter than Vincent or Vanderbilt is his experience as an elite starter on a championship team and a defensive skillset that earned him three All-Defensive team honors.
While Smart’s only an inch taller than Vincent at 6′ 3,” his 6′ 9″ wingspan and 220 lbs enable him to defend forwards as well as guards. Unlike Vando, Smart is good enough on offense that he can’t be played off the court.
When you look at the Lakers three candidates to be the fifth starter until LeBron returns, Smart is the only legitimate NBA starter quality player. Vincent’s a great shooter and Vando has great size but they’re not starters.
The Lakers need their fifth starter to be a game changer and tone setter, not just another role player. They specifically need a defensive superstar, which is exactly what a healthy and hungry Marcus Smart could be.
JJ Redick has already walked back Gabe Vincent being the starter beyond the home opener so don’t be surprised if he changes his mind again and makes Marcus Smart the fifth starter vs. Warriors on Tuesday night.
Maybe. Sounds like Coach Reddick learned a lesson: trying to cement a lineup that:
A) Isn’t healthy to start
B) Has a lot of new parts combined with guys who have now played together for a couple years now.
a
It would be one thing if training camp lasted longer than 45 minutes, but the first month is now, for lack of a better concept, extended training camp. Smart played like 45 total minutes of preseason, in the end I could give a fig if he starts, comes off the bench, or whatever: we need him ready in the playoffs. Same as LeBron. Reddick has already learned one of the lessons I wanted to see him learn: don’t blab your “plan” to the media.