Marcus Smart, Los Angeles Lakers
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Marcus Smart, Los Angeles Lakers
Earlier this summer, the Los Angeles Lakers signed Marcus Smart to a two-year $10.5 million contract. The second year of the deal is a player option, allowing Smart to opt out if he believes he can get more on the open market.
By adding Smart to the rotation, the Lakers will be hoping he can emerge as a defensive lynchpin for the franchise. The veteran guard won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022. He also brings a wealth of postseason experience to the franchise, having suited up for 108 playoff games in his career, including the 2022 NBA Finals.
Yet, despite his impressive resume, Mike Breshahan of the “Lakeshow podcast” doesn’t believe Smart should instantly be given a starting role within the Lakers’ rotation. Instead, he wants Smart to earn his spot and prove himself within JJ Redick’s system.
“Is he in that starting five?” Breshahan asked. “I don’t think so. He played okay with Washington towards the end of his brief run with them last season. I got to see him play some games. He just hasn’t played a full season.”
Smart has struggled with injuries for the past two seasons. He played in just 20 games for the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2023-24 campaign. And, he followed that up with 34 outings for the Washington Wizards last season. As such, he may need to prove that his injury hell is behind him.
You Can’t Ignore Smart’s Body Of Work
Despite his two seasons of injury issues, Breshahan is selling Smart short. You can’t ignore how important he was to the Boston Celtics throughout his nine-year tenure with the franchise. Not only was he their best defender, but he also emerged as a true leader and consistently improved his offensive game.
Smart has proven himself in the NBA. He has the playoff games to back him up. If Redick believes Smart is a starting-caliber guard in the league, then there should be no problems with inserting him into the lineup to begin the new season.
After all, the Lakers ranked 17th in the NBA for defensive rating last season. A healthy Smart could help them crack the top 10 this time around. That’s how impactful a defender he can be when given the green light to play to his strengths.
Lakers Have Improved The Roster This Summer
Smart isn’t the only new addition to the Lakers’ roster. Rob Pelinka has also added Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia, as he bids to build a team around Luka Doncic.
Suddenly, the Lakers’ roster looks drastically improved from the version we saw last season. If Redick can get everyone on the same page, the franchise should make some noise in the Western Conference next season. Having LeBron James and Doncic spearhead the franchise will undoubtedly be exciting for the fanbase.
Los Angeles is building toward a sustained period of success. It’s unclear whether they will reach the mountain top this season. However, with the moves the front office has made and the potential for new additions at the trade deadline, there’s a lot to be excited about for Lakers fans. And, having Smart anchoring the perimeter defense should certainly be one of them.