Stephen A. Smith is known for his hard-hitting takes – but there are moments where he has positive compliments to offer too.
JJ Redick’s new-look Los Angeles Lakers are showing real promise so far this season, beginning the season with a 7-4 record.
The task for Redick has not been easy, some weaknesses were shown up in a stretch of road games, which saw some of their defensive players heavily criticized.
The one who took the most criticism was D’Angelo Russell, who was benched after the Grizzlies loss, and contributed positively in a new role, no longer a starter.
Cam Reddish takes Russell’s place
D’Angelo Russell was tipped to respond well to his benching, and he has – but what about the player who replaced him?
Cam Reddish was called in, having missed the opening games of the season with injury, and he has given the Lakers a different look, with Russell scoring points when rotated in from the bench.
Reddish’s own numbers don’t jump off the page, but he has fitted well into the system Redick has put in place, and the Lakers have won three consecutive games.
Speaking to First Take, Stephen A. Smith says he has been impressed by Cam Reddish so far this season.
While he admits he has felt let down by his overall impact in the NBA, Smith still sees potential and has been taken aback by his recent improvement.
Smith said: “Since Cam Reddish has been the guy in there I’m watching that, because if Cam Reddish can give you anything, because coming out of Duke I expected a lot more from him.
“I thought you know he’s got the size on him, he can shoot, if this brother’s going to go and he’s going to be formidable, that helps the Lakers as well because we didn’t anticipate seeing that.
“I like what I’m seeing, I like the fact JJ Redick made that move.”
More praise for Dalton Knecht
The star of the Lakers win over the Grizzlies was rookie Dalton Knecht, who scored 19 points from the bench.
Anthony Davis said the Lakers stars had been urging Knecht to shoot more, saying he is too good to pass up shots, which he felt he had been doing.
Smith also had positive words for the rookie, commenting: “I love Dalton Knecht… I love the fact the Lakers got their hands on him.”
The Lakers are next in action as they begin defense of their NBA Cup trophy, facing the San Antonio Spurs.
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