The Los Angeles Lakers will give Marcus Smart a chance to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2023. He made his desire to play for a contender clear (subscription required) as he requested a buyout in Washington. The former Defensive Player of the Year is now playing alongside two of the top ten players in the world on the Lakers. LA was the third seed in the Western Conference in 2025 and currently needs a stout perimeter defender to make them a serious title threat.
Bill Simmons doesn’t think this move will work, but Smart was the heart of the Celtics' defense for nine years. Boston made the playoff every season with the 6’3 guard, including five trips to the conference finals. He has struggled to stay healthy in recent years, but the potential is there for Smart to make a massive impact in Los Angeles.
The Lakers will be contenders regardless of how well this move works. Luka Doncic and LeBron James will both be on the All-NBA teams if they play enough games. Los Angeles made a massive upgrade at the five and has talented role players around their superstars. Smart is motivated to bounce back and will have every reason to lock in being back on a contender.
Lakers have put Marcus Smart back on a contender
The skepticism of this signing is fair. Smart has played 54 total games since leaving the Celtics, but both the Grizzlies and the Wizards were significantly better with him on the floor last season. Memphis had a 10.2 net rating and a 108.8 defensive rating in his 19 games. Smart struggled to make shots, but the Lakers would love to finish with those numbers when he’s on the floor.
LA will be relying heavily on Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves. With Deandre Ayton signed to start at the five, head coach JJ Redick must decide between Smart and Rui Hachimura for the final starting role. The Lakers need a perimeter stopper, which may give Smart the inside track. Expect all six players to fill significant roles this season as the franchise looks to be a serious title threat.
The Lakers have a superstar in his prime and no plans of wasting a year of Luka. Expect general manager Rob Pelinka to be ready to fill holes at the trade deadline and give Los Angeles what they need for the stretch run. That puts even more pressure on Smart to play his best. If not, he could be shipped out before Feb. 5.
The Los Angeles Lakers will be contenders this season and give Marcus Smart a chance to return to playoff basketball. That is precisely what he wanted before joining the franchise. He is a proven winner who asked to leave the nation’s capital to play on the biggest stage again. Fans could see a different Smart in LA. He should certainly be happy that the Lakers and Luka Doncic were eager to grant his wish.