JJ Redick had a perfect response to Nick Smith Jr.’s halftime throw-in
The Los Angeles Lakers won their fourth consecutive win on Monday night, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 123-115 to improve to 6-2 on the season. After the victory, the head coach JJ Redick had a mild reaction to Nick Smith Jr.’s impressive performance after the quarterback threw up at halftime.
“It’s a good reminder to go wash my hands,” Redick he said during his postgame press conference.
Smith, 21, signed a two-way contract with the Lakers earlier this season after being waived by the Charlotte Hornets. The former Arkansas standout made the most of his opportunity, posting 25 points, six assists, one rebound and one steal while shooting 10-for-15 from the field and 5-for-6 from beyond the arc in 27 minutes. He finished with a +9 plus/minus, providing a key spark off the bench in the second half.
JJ on Nick Smith getting sick and throwing up at halftime:
“It’s a good reminder to go wash my hands” 😂 pic.twitter.com/oUEt49Z0ks
— Oh no, it’s not (@ohnohedidnt24) November 4, 2025
“Nick Smith in the second half, he just took over the game,” Redick Thuc Nhi Nguyen told the Los Angeles Times. “We needed his handle and we needed his shift tonight. Honestly, it was a perfect game for him.”
Nick Smith Jr. challenges the short-handed Lakers against the Trail Blazers
Smith’s emergence proved vital to the Lakers team key players are missing, including LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves. Redick praised Smith’s poise and shot creation in extended minutes, calling the game a breakthrough for the young guard as he continues to earn the coaching staff’s trust.
The Lakers also got big contributions from Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura. Ayton had 29 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and two assists while shooting 14-for-19 from the field. Hachimura added 28 points, four rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block on 10-for-15 shooting, hitting 2-of-4 from three and all six of his free-throw attempts.
With the win, Los Angeles continues to build on its early-season momentum under Redick, who has highlighted depth and defensive energy through the first eight games. The Lakers will return home to host the San Antonio Spurs (5-1) on Wednesday night at 10:00 PM ET on ESPN.
2025-11-04 18:08:00
