Lakers’ Jake LaRavia Shares Defensive Lessons From Marcus Smart

Lakers’ Jake LaRavia shares defensive lessons from Marcus Smart

DENVER — Jake LaRavia had a guru on the bench. Then a second-year Memphis Grizzlies forward, he listened closely to Marcus Smart – who had been voted the NBA Defensive Player of the Year two years earlier – as he tried to gain his footing in the league. LaRavia’s steals-per-game numbers, and his minutes, more than doubled as the Grizzlies in the bottom three of the Western Conference in 2023-2024. Smart, who played in just 25 games for the Grizz…

Hayes and Smart ignite 4th quarter fire in Lakers comeback win

Los Angeles Lakers comeback win over the New Orleans Pelicans keeps them out of Western Conference play-in tournament race.

Lakers News: JJ Redick Credits Marcus Smart For Starring In His Role

With the roster fully healthy, Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has been able to mix and match player combinations and Marcus Smart keeps coming up in his best two-way lineups. Smart signed a two-year deal with the Lakers after being bought out by the Washington Wizards and he’s more than made good on his contract as he’s been an instrumental part in a few Lakers victories. For example, Smart came up big in the team’s recent win against t…