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JJ Redick takes dig at Marcus Smart over his 0 point LA Lakers preseason debut

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Charlie Walker | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 9:30 AM ET

It’s been a challenging preseason for JJ Redick and the LA Lakers.

They haven’t been able to paint a clear picture of their roster for the upcoming season, with key players coming in and out of the lineup over their four games.

Luka Doncic made his preseason debut in the Los Angeles Lakers’ final fixture before their season opener, scoring a team-high 25 points. The Slovenian has been resting for much of training camp after Doncic played in EuroBasket over the summer.

That game was the first time Doncic and Austin Reaves played together since the Lakers’ disappointing playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves. They both impressed with 25 points, but LeBron James was still sidelined with sciatica.

Marcus Smart also made his Lakers debut, but went scoreless in 20 minutes of action. JJ Redick was quick to jab at Smart, who was one assist away from leaving his stat sheet blank in the game.

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JJ Redick had one wish for Marcus Smart’s LA Lakers debut

Not only did Smart go scoreless in 20 minutes for the Lakers, he didn’t take a shot. Smart was one of the Lakers’ key signings this summer, brought in to provide some perimeter defense to cover up Doncic’s deficiencies in that department. But he needs to provide some level of offensive threat.

He did provide his typical intensity, the kind that doesn’t show up in the box score. Redick was glad to see that, but wished for some more aggression on the offensive end.

Redick said after the Lakers’ 104-113 loss to the Phoenix Suns, “I thought Marcus was very physical and tenacious, would have liked for him to have a shot, at least one in 20 minutes.

Marcus Smart's defense really stands out

He is giving up about 3-4 inches of height on his assignment but still locked his opponent down in the post pic.twitter.com/HENtN6Yff1
— LakeShow Highlights (@LSH_lakeshow) October 15, 2025

“That’s where I think we were fooling around with the game a little bit. I didn’t like some of the no-pass possessions, the shot selection.”

Overall, Redick was pleased with what he saw from the two players making their first appearances of the 2025 preseason. He added, “I liked what I saw from him [Luka] and I like what I saw from Marcus.”

Doncic’s display was a big positive. He had a +/- of +11 despite his team’s nine-point loss. He needed to hit the ground running, as he and Reaves will be expected to carry the load while James recovers from injury.

Marcus Smart doesn’t need to score for the LA Lakers

Smart didn’t sign with the Lakers to score. They have arguably the NBA’s best scorer in Doncic, with Reaves as his sidekick. What they need is physicality, a defensive presence, and leadership, all of which Smart will provide each and every night.

The Lakers’ other perimeter defenders, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt, didn’t play alongside Smart in his Lakers debut. They have proven to be more effective two-way players than Smart at this stage of his career, so expect some output from them.

What could be a concern for Redick is that Jared Butler went off for 35, 9, and 7 for the Suns. Smart couldn’t slow down the guard, who averaged nine points with the Philadelphia 76ers last season.

If Smart cannot be relied upon to impact a player of Butler’s calibre this season, then what impact can he truly have on either end?

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

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