Latest news with #JJRedick
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
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Bronny James Says The Game Is 'Slowing Down' As He Gains Confidence In Summer League
Bronny James Says The Game Is 'Slowing Down' As He Gains Confidence In Summer League originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Bronny James is starting to settle in. After a shaky start to his Summer League debut, the 20-year-old guard is gradually finding his rhythm on the court. Speaking to reporters after a recent game, Bronny acknowledged the strides he's been making in both his confidence and comfort level. 'Yeah, for sure,' said Bronny when asked if the game is slowing down for him. 'It helps that I was in the G-League running point guard most of the time. Just getting these reps in the Summer League is helping as well. Just getting more comfortable game by game.' Bronny, who attended USC for one school year, has embraced a slow and patient approach to his NBA career. After signing a $7.9 million contract in 2024 (at least $4.3 million guaranteed), he's been quietly working behind the scenes to develop his game and take on a bigger role in JJ Redick's rotation. With averages of 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game as a rookie, James showed brief flashes of greatness, but he still has a long way to go before he carves out a permanent place on the Lakers. This summer, ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, he's working to build on his progress over the past 12 months. Admittedly, Bronny was struggling to keep up in his first few Summer League games this year, but he exploded on Monday for his best game yet this summer. In a 67-58 loss to the Clippers, James put up 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists on 60.0% shooting. He also went 3-5 from three as the leading scorer of the game. For a guy who has struggled to shoot efficiently throughout his young career, it was great to see Bronny have a successful shooting night, and it seems all the reps have been doing wonders for his development. Besides the Summer League, Bronny has had time in both the NBA and with the South Bay Lakers, which he has used to grow his confidence, expand his skillset, and get a feel for the NBA landscape. At this point, Bronny knows that his best path to success is as a defender, and he's committed to maximizing his production on that end of the floor. But if he can also hone his abilities as a scorer, it will unlock a whole new level to his game. Amid so much uncertainty and drama within the organization, the Lakers are still trying to figure out where their path leads, but as long as LeBron and Bronny are still on the roster, they expect to be somewhat competitive. For Bronny in particular, his role on the team may be redefined next season as he finds his place on the court and develops more and more chemistry with his teammates. As the youngest member of one of the NBA's most scrutinized rosters, Bronny still has a lot to prove. But if his recent comments and performances are any indication, he's trending in the right direction. With time, reps, and a team committed to his growth, the game is beginning to slow down, and when that happens for a young player, everything else starts to open story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
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Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick's Resurfaced Clip Praising Marcus Smart Goes Viral: "I Want Him On My Team"
Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick's Resurfaced Clip Praising Marcus Smart Goes Viral: "I Want Him On My Team" originally appeared on Fadeaway World. A five-year-old podcast clip of JJ Redick passionately praising Marcus Smart has resurfaced, and it couldn't be more perfectly timed. Now the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, Redick finds himself reunited with the very kind of player he once celebrated from afar. As the video made the rounds across social media, Lakers fans quickly latched onto the quote that encapsulates it all: "I love Marcus, and I think, you know, he's like, if I'm picking a basketball team, I want him on my team. He gets under guys' skin. He competes. There's a level of flopping to the Marcus Smart experience, but I think that overshadows all the other amazing stuff he does." "He's a guy that just makes winning plays consistently. When I was in Philly, and even my last couple of years in LA, when Marcus and Jaylen would guard me a lot, there was some banter back and forth at times, but ultimately, by the end of my time in Philly, the three of us just had a mutual level of respect." "I sort of acknowledged that to them, and they did to me, verbally. So, there's no ill will at all from my part toward Marcus. I actually just enjoy watching him play. I like guys that compete like that." That quote came from Redick's appearance on his popular podcast The Old Man and the Three, where he discussed the value Smart brings beyond the stat sheet. That admiration was rooted in firsthand experience. Redick recalled his battles with Smart during his playing days in Philadelphia and LA. That competitive fire and commitment to the less glamorous aspects of basketball are precisely why the Lakers pursued Smart this offseason. The Lakers were looking for grit, leadership, and defensive toughness traits Smart has in abundance. The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year is a three-time All-NBA Defensive First Team selection and was the heart and soul of the Boston Celtics during their Finals run in 2022. Though injuries have slowed him in recent years, he's only played 54 games in the past two seasons, the 31-year-old still brings immense value. Last year, he averaged 9.0 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 rebounds while shooting 34.8% from three. But the numbers don't tell the full story. What the Lakers are getting is a veteran who leads by example, someone who sacrifices his body, rallies teammates, and embraces the dirty work. Importantly, Redick won't ask Smart to run the offense. With Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves already in place as playmakers, Smart's primary role will be as the point-of-attack defender, tasked with neutralizing the opposition's top perimeter threats. Though listed at 6-foot-3, Smart's physicality and defensive IQ allow him to guard up, even against undersized wings. Redick's words from years ago have now become prophecy. He does have Marcus Smart on his team. And judging by the viral reaction to the resurfaced clip, Lakers fans are more than happy to see the coach and player aligned. For a team looking to reclaim its defensive identity and championship edge, Smart might just be the spark they've needed, and Redick knew it all story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lakers exec's Luka Doncic message ahead of contract extension eligibility
The post Lakers exec's Luka Doncic message ahead of contract extension eligibility appeared first on ClutchPoints. With Luka Doncic eligible to sign a contract extension beginning August 2, a Los Angeles Lakers front office executive made it clear that the franchise sees the 26-year-old as a long-term cornerstone. During NBA 2K26 Summer League coverage in Las Vegas, Spotrac's Keith Smith spoke with coaches and executives across both conferences. Among those conversations was a message from a Lakers executive regarding Doncic's looming extension eligibility. 'We aren't even allowed to do that until next month (August 2nd), so it's a bit early to talk about that,' the executive said. 'But Luka and his reps know how we feel about him. They've known that since we've traded for him. This will hopefully be a long, long partnership between Luka and us.' Doncic was acquired by the Lakers in a blockbuster midseason trade with the Dallas Mavericks in February that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas. Since his arrival, Doncic has embraced the transition, quickly becoming the focal point of the franchise under head coach JJ Redick. He averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals across 28 games with the Lakers to close out the 2024–25 regular season. In the playoffs, he elevated his performance even further, averaging 30.2 points in a five-game first-round series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Lakers prepare extension offer as Luka Doncic helps reshape roster The Lakers can offer Doncic a four-year, $229 million extension beginning August 2. Alternatively, he could sign a three-year deal with a player option that would position him for a five-year supermax contract worth over $400 million in 2028 when he reaches 10 years of NBA service time. Doncic has shown every indication of wanting to stay in Los Angeles. In a recent interview, he expressed his desire to leave a lasting legacy with the Lakers. Asked what he hopes to be remembered for in Los Angeles, Doncic responded, 'The guy that brought championships to the city.' Off the court, Doncic has also taken an active role in shaping the roster. He reportedly played a part in recruiting center Deandre Ayton, who signed a two-year, $8.1 million deal after being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers. More recently, he was involved in the recruitment of veteran guard Marcus Smart, who plans to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with a player option for the 2026–27 season once he clears waivers. The Lakers have begun shifting toward a new era, with Doncic at the center of the franchise's future plans. As Summer League concludes and training camp approaches, all eyes will soon turn to Doncic's contract decision. While the front office remains restricted from initiating formal negotiations until early August, messaging from within the organization signals a clear desire to secure a long-term future with one of the league's premier talents. Related: Lakers exec drops 'silly' take on LeBron James' contract situation Related: Nike Kobe 9 EM 'China' releasing Holiday 2025
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The player Lakers plan to waive after Marcus Smart deal
The post The player Lakers plan to waive after Marcus Smart deal appeared first on ClutchPoints. On Saturday, the Los Angeles Lakers made a free agency splash by signing guard Marcus Smart to a contract shortly after his buyout with the Washington Wizards. Smart gives the Lakers the point of attack defender that they desperately needed as well as some veteran leadership and toughness. In order to bring in Smart, the Lakers will need to make space elsewhere on their roster, and recently, NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN–who reported the Smart news–broke down the move Los Angeles may be forced to make in order to clear that space. 'The Lakers plan to waive guard Shake Milton to create the roster spot to sign Smart, sources told ESPN. Milton's $3 million contract for next season would have become fully guaranteed Sunday,' reported Charania on The Lakers are reportedly still evaluating their options, per ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, and could end up trying to trade Milton on Sunday, but at this point, waiving seems to be the most likely course of action. Milton was brought to the Lakers midway through last season when the team traded D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets. Milton saw occasional minutes under head coach JJ Redick but never made a huge impact during his time with the Lakers. Still, he'll likely have suitors now that he is a free agent. A big move for the Lakers At this point, it's unclear how JJ Redick plans to utilize Smart in the Lakers' lineup. One option would be to start him alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, giving the Lakers a much-needed perimeter defender in a backcourt that is otherwise the worst defensively in the NBA. Los Angeles could also opt to bring Smart off the bench to help solidify that unit, which doesn't have a ton of depth at the current juncture. Whatever direction Redick chooses to go in, the Lakers certainly got better on Saturday, adding a player in Smart who has plenty of playoff experience and has also dramatically improved his perimeter jumper throughout the course of his career. It will certainly take some getting used to to see Smart, who has spent the majority of his career wearing Boston Celtics green, now in the Purple & Gold. However, Los Angeles fans have to be excited about the news. Related: Siegel's Scoop: Latest NBA free agency, trade intel after Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, Marcus Smart deals Related: Shaq reveals 'close' relationship with Lakers great Kobe Bryant's mom
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers have waived Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin to create space for Marcus Smart
On Saturday, veteran guard Marcus Smart agreed to join the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $11 million contract after the Washington Wizards bought out his previous contract. But first, the Lakers had a little work to do to be able to legally sign Smart. With almost no room left under the first apron of the NBA's salary cap, they needed to make a couple of roster moves to free up enough space to bring in Smart. On Sunday, they started by waiving guard Shake Milton, who was due $3 million this coming season. Later, they also waived guard Jordan Goodwin, whom they called up from the G League at midseason. Milton was thrown into the late December trade that brought Los Angeles forward Dorian Finney-Smith for D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and second-round draft compensation. A seven-year veteran, he never really cracked coach JJ Redick's rotation, and he averaged 3.9 points in 11.5 minutes a game after joining L.A. Goodwin, 26, showed some promise in 29 games with the Lakers. He put up 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 38.2% from 3-point range. The Illinois native consistently hustled for rebounds and loose balls and showed a willingness to play hard on the defensive end. Since Goodwin has four years of NBA experience, he was ineligible to be a member of the Lakers on a two-way contract. This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers have waived Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin
