As a season stretches on, a coach gets an idea of who he can and can’t trust in the crazy and tough situations a team finds itself in. This season for the Los Angeles Lakers, one player who head coach JJ Redick routinely puts his faith in is veteran guard Marcus Smart.
This is Smart’s 12th NBA season and first with the Lakers and he has carved out a role in the starting lineup while, more often than not, finishing games thanks to his ability on defense as well making plays on the offensive end when needed to.
When asked whether it is his patience or experience that allows him to deliver for the Lakers in those pressure-filled moments the team has faced throughout the season, Smart said it’s both.
“I think it’s a little bit of both. For me definitely a little bit of both,” the Lakers guard said. “Just my experience, my 12 years that I’ve been here, the games that I’ve been in. But also knowing it’s a lot of time on that clock and it’s a lot of ballgame left. We have more time than we, in our minds, usually think so just calm down and do what you’ve been trained to do and what you’ve been doing your whole life and working for. So I definitely say both.”
Smart has played in more than 100 playoff games including a trip to the NBA Finals, so he is no stranger to the pressure and chaos that often surrounds NBA games at the highest level. Coming through when it matters most has earned him the trust of Redick and the Lakers coaching staff and he is thankful for that.
“Just goes back to the experience I have,” Smart added when asked how he stays calm in the clutch. “My years in Boston. Close games, tough games, chaotic games and making plays in those and understanding what I’m capable of and what I bring to this team and just use that to my ability. I appreciate JJ and this coaching staff trusting me down the stretch and I just gotta keep doing what I do.”
Teams will always rely on their stars, but it takes great role players stepping up in big games to push a team over the edge. Smart knows what it is like to be in the biggest pressure situations possible and the Lakers know they can count on him to deliver whatever they need on any given night.
JJ Redick credits Marcus Smart for starring in his role for Lakers
Lakers head coach JJ Redick recently had a lot of praise for Marcus Smart, praising him for starring in his role and giving this team an energy boost when they need it most.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
