JJ Redick’s first year running the show in L.A. had plenty of doubters, but Saturday’s win in Denver sent a loud message. The Lakers didn’t treat this like just another road game—Redick and his staff made sure of that. Unlike previous seasons, where urgency sometimes felt optional, this team came in locked and ready.
And it showed. The Lakers rolled into Denver and ran the Nuggets off their own floor, cruising to a 123-100 victory. More than just another tally in the win column, this shook up the battle for the West’s third seed and gave the Lakers some serious momentum. This victory got Stephen A. Smith, who has had some fiery takes apologizing.
SAS admitted he underestimated L.A. and gave them their flowers on NBA Countdown on ESPN. “I was shocked. Let me be the first to apologize to the Los Angeles Lakers. I did not see them being capable of that,” Smith said. “I got news for y’all, the Lakers, and NBA best for this 14 or 15 since January 15th. The Denver Nuggets came into the game on a winning streak, averaging 128 points, got held to 100, so they got to play defense as well.”
Smith also emphasized how rare this kind of win was for L.A. against Denver in recent years. But one of his boldest takes? Giving JJ Redick serious credit for turning things around.
“JJ Redick is a candidate for Coach of the Year. He is just doing a hell of a job, and Big Perk enlightened me about how brilliant they are offensively compared to what they were last year. Defensively, not so much, but that wasn’t the case last night. If that Los Angeles Laker team shows up in the postseason, look the hell out. And I’m not gonna be mad about having to be in Southern California.” he added.
This is a developing story…
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