This guy plays so hard, I absolutely love it. His defensive leadership is exactly what this team needs.
agree that that play really shifted the effort/focus. this dude with a bad back is out there diving on the floor and making a pretty wizardly hustle play down double digits in a sleepy road arena...you can't miss your box out assignment now. caruso stuff.
His effort, tone setting leadership and tide shifting plays is everything advertised when he was vital to a contending organization. His playmaking and shot ability as a 2nd or even 3rd ball handler really gives lineups stability (when we're healthy-ish). Sure there's a roller coaster frustrating play or two a game, but I'm willing to embrace those with welcome arms for all the good he brings to the table.
I think that part of our great start is bc LeBron is healing. It has given JJ time to actually coach to see what he has. When Luka was out I'm not sure we would have seen the same Austin and Jake with LeBron playing. A lot of positives are happening now. Get everyone established and feeling good in their roles and then work LeBron in. As long as we are winning, I'm all for letting LeBron get healthy and play a shortened season. If we hit the playoffs reasonably healthy I like our chances.
Yeah. I was thinking something similar. If LeBron can rest for a bit then be load managed we’d be in a great position in the playoffs.
With the way the team is gelling without him it might take a while to incorporate him in the chemistry
See, after that very first steal, 30 seconds into the game, you knew it was going to be a good night for our team. That's how it's done.
Love this guy. Would be one the greatest events in the rivalry if Smart can win a title as a beloved Lakers. Celts ditched a franchise favorite to win a title only for the Lakers to get one with him as a key piece Chefs kiss
Love this guy being a Laker. If we keep him healthy he's going to have game winning Ron-Ron playoff moment(s). Set the tempo and bar then make them meet you there.
Don’t love that he had to play 32 mins, but we needed him, he sets the tone. It’s so great to have a guy like this again, we haven’t in a while and it’s part of why we’ve been a soft team. Not seeing any quit in the team so far this season and guys like Smart are part of why.
I really wonder if he's the difference this year. It's been awhile where we don't roll over in games like some of these recent ones we've won and I'm trying to determine why. he is one man tone and culture setter. Is that it? He is the loudest we've had who players respect and follow since Rondo.
No giving up with Smart on the court. It's also why we aren't getting blown out or conceding game ending runs, we compete every possession and that goes a long way.
You need guys like this, you just do. I can’t stand Draymond, but he’s a big reason that team is always so tough to take out, he does the dirty work and sets the tempo, doesn’t back down from anyone. There’s a huge difference between say D-Lo and Smart for example. Hell even old man DFS turned us around last year and Smart is another level up from him as far as all out effort and being that guy you don’t want to mess with. He’s got to be able to stay healthy, but if he does he’s a huge pickup for us, he’s been playing at 100% effort from game 1. I love AD too, always will, but he also had a tendency to fold, he could be soft, if he got punched in the mouth first he could disappear at times. I do think having one of your leaders be that way matters, this year so far our vocal leaders are not that way, Smart and Reaves are tough dudes, Luka can be a psycho out there, even Ayton has played with a lot of consistency on defense and setting screens, being engaged. That stuff matters from the top guys, so far it’s paying off.
Totally agree with you on Draymond and that ilk of player, on Smart being a huge pickup, on Reaves & Luka being tough "nice" guys and on AD being soft at times - just like Pau. We have two real tone setters in Smart & Vando on this team. I'd love one more guy with edge to be our 3&D guy. An example is Dillon Brooks, love him or hate him - he is that kind of player. If Phoenix implodes, I'd look at him for Knecht, Gabe & Kleber and a bunch of seconds.
