Why do teams play harder against the Lakers?

Teams often play with elevated intensity and shoot better against the Lakers because they are a high-profile team and are considered the 'hunted' in most matchups.

What is Marcus Smart's perspective on facing top opponent effort?

Marcus Smart acknowledges that the Lakers consistently face opponents who bring their absolute best performance, expecting it as part of playing for the Lakers.

What challenges are the Lakers facing currently?

The Lakers are dealing with injuries to key players and are in the midst of a challenging schedule that includes many consecutive road games.

Home / Sports / Smart: Lakers get everyone's best game

Smart: Lakers get everyone's best game

18 Jan

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Summary

Opponents shoot significantly above average against the Lakers.
Smart notes Lakers are always the hunted team.
Lakers face a grueling road schedule ahead.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart has commented on the heightened effort rival teams exhibit when playing against his squad. He noted that opponents often see their shooting percentages soar when facing the Lakers, indicating a persistent trend.

Smart articulated that playing for a franchise like the Lakers means being perceived as the "hunted," consistently drawing the best performance from opponents on any given night. This elevated competition is a challenge the team must learn to manage effectively as they navigate their schedule.

The Lakers are currently in a difficult stretch, facing numerous road games and dealing with key player injuries. Head coach JJ Redick echoed Smart's sentiment, recognizing that the Lakers' storied history often inspires opponents to play at their absolute peak, making each game a significant challenge.

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