""The toughest team," Smart said, "sets the rules." "I've been in this league for 12 years and that's always been the motto," the former NBA defensive player of the year continued. "You see it. The team that comes out more physical, the momentum is kind of going their way, and that's how it is. We want to be the toughest team from start to the end.""
"Film from last year's five-game series against the Minnesota Timberwolves has been rolling in front of coach JJ Redick for days as he fell down a deep rabbit hole preparing for the game. The clips aren't needed to prompt a revenge storyline, Redick said, but could help create a different type of motivation for a team that's trying to break in three offseason additions."
"The Timberwolves (1-0) are still built around the brilliance of 26-year-old star guard Anthony Edwards and the length and physicality of post players Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid. The Lakers - without star LeBron James (sciatica) - are trying to build chemistry back up with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves while incorporating free agent signings Smart, Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia."
Marcus Smart picked up four fouls in 12 first-half minutes but saw purpose behind the calls because he was setting a physical tone. The Lakers signed Smart for his tenacity and wanted him to set the standard of physicality. The season opener went the wrong way despite the early approach. Coach JJ Redick has been reviewing film from last year's five-game series against the Timberwolves to prepare. The clips could create motivation as the Lakers integrate offseason additions. The Timberwolves remain built around Anthony Edwards and post players Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid. Without LeBron James (sciatica), the Lakers are rebuilding chemistry with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves while integrating Smart, Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia.
Read at Los Angeles Times
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]