- JJ Redick says this is the first time in his three years with the Lakers that the roster feels like it actually fits together.
- Marcus Smart is gone, and his exit leaves a specific defensive hole.
- Last season, Smart was the Lakers’ most reliable stopper, and his departure has already been viewed as rough.
- The Lakers are aiming for their seventh playoff appearance in the past eight seasons, and the season will quickly show whether this version of the roster is as balanced as Redick says.
JJ Redick says the Lakers’ new roster finally fits — but Marcus Smart’s exit leaves a real test
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Sources & Referenced Reporting
- Yahoo Sports, “JJ Redick says this is the first time in Lakers tenure the roster ‘actually fits together’,” Sept. 25, 2026.
- yardbarker.com, “Losing Marcus Smart left a dangerous vulnerability in the Lakers' roster,” Sept. 25, 2026.
- ESPN, “Pelinka touts post-LeBron overhaul, says Lakers hit offseason priorities,” Sept. 24, 2026.
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