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JJ Redick reveals LA Lakers’ new signing has the ‘respect of the locker room’, expects him to be a leader

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 9:22 AM ET

JJ Redick believes one of the newest LA Lakers stars is going to be a key figure for them next season.

The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off what can be considered a very successful offseason for them, having addressed a lot of their needs.

While things didn’t start off strong, with Rob Pelinka costing the Lakers Dorian Finney-Smith, the front office came through in the end.

The Lakers signed Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton to add to their depth at the center and wing positions.

But perhaps the most crucial move was the Lakers landing Marcus Smart, thanks to Luka Doncic. JJ Redick certainly thinks he will be a crucial asset for their team next season.

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JJ Redick says Marcus Smart can help the LA Lakers with his playoff experience

JJ Redick spoke to Spectrum SportsNet as part of the LA Lakers’ Media Day. When discussing Marcus Smart’s role on the team, he was effusive in his praise for the former Defensive Player of the Year.

Redick claimed that Smart had the respect of the Lakers locker room because of his prior achievements, and his veteran status in the NBA, and thinks he can fill a leadership role on the team.

“I told him this when I recruited him… His voice is going to be really important for us. He has the respect of the locker room because of everything he’s done in his career the way he plays this game, and how he plays.

“He also has the respect of the locker room because he’s been in deep playoff runs and he’s had a chance to play in the NBA Finals.

“So his experience, his voice, his natural energy is going to be massive for our team.”

Entering his 2nd season as the #Lakers head coach, JJ Redick talks with @geeter3, @RealAClifton, and @jamesworthy42 on #LakersMediaDay. pic.twitter.com/TkjrCOJDyw
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) September 29, 2025

LA Lakers needed a player like Marcus Smart

There is no denying that one of the Lakers’ biggest weaknesses in the second half of the season was their defense.

After losing Anthony Davis in the Luka Doncic trade, the Lakers didn’t have a natural point-of-attack defender on their roster.

With Marcus Smart, they have a wily and skilled defensive player who can guard the opposition’s best perimeter scorer.

Neither Smart nor Redick are worried about his starting role on the roster, as they know that he will bring the right energy to the team no matter when he enters the game.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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