Vincent said, “My task is to help the team, do any work on the court, carry out the coach’s instructions, provide more assistance to my teammates, and it is my role to achieve the success of the team at any cost.” How can you not fall in love with such a player and Playing mentality.
There is another guard on the Lakers, Christie, who was ridiculed as a “salary thief”. After signing a four-year, $48 million contract last summer, the Lakers management was ridiculed by the outside world.
The 22-year-old Christie took over as the starter this season after Russell was traded. He averaged 8.3 points per game and shot 3.56% from three-point range. He was barely qualified. However, Christie became increasingly better defensively and showed high-quality 3D potential and strength. .
Christie’s progress and confidence are visible. In the last defense against the Wizards, the Wizards scored and the Lakers lost. Christie was responsible for nailing Wizards guard Poole one-on-one. The Lakers did not call a timeout. Christie was not shaken off by Poole in the end. He defended the Wizards for the final fatal blow.
Reddick talked about this one-on-one offensive and defensive showdown that determined the outcome of the game, “I believe Christie can handle this defense and opponent by himself, and he did.”
Reddick gave Vinson, Christie, and Reeves enough space and confidence to gradually realize the many negative assets in the Lakers’ lineup since last season and turn them into positive assets, becoming an indispensable element of the Lakers’ strength and team, and establishing them step by step. Lakers team strength.
Three weeks ago, the Lakers traded 3D forward 201cm Smith, who shot 41% from three-point range. This week, 203cm defensive star De Bilt is about to return from injury. Both assets need Redick to help realize their value. and function.
No one has confidence in the Lakers. The Lakers’ defense is still not good, ranking 23rd in defensive efficiency, but the Lakers are capable of playing elite defensive performance. The offense often crashes and the three-pointer feels cold, but the Lakers can still win games by relying on defense and teamwork. The Lakers just don’t have any room for error. Lakers James, Davis, Redick, and the Lakers executives themselves all know that the Lakers are not in contention for the championship.
There is still hope for the Lakers to turn around. As long as Vanderbilt returns to the team healthy and the Lakers have no injured players and rotate normally with 9-10 players, there will be many surprises for the Lakers in the second half of the season.
Believe Riddick, this is a good show that Hollywood should have.
