Within his first 12:52 of action, Marcus Smart showed the Los Angeles Lakers exactly what he brings to the table—and fans should absolutely love it. Those near-13 minutes were how much playing time he earned in the first half alone, and it was quite the viewing experience.
Smart picked up four personal fouls, including one that was [upgraded to a Flagrant 1](https://x.com/Sleeper_Hoops/status/1980834242675556393), but he got most of them while trying to be an absolute pest. That sort of aggressiveness is exactly what Lakers fans should want on their side. He’s ready to put his body on the line and do whatever it takes to help his team win.
The fit in LA should be seamless. At least, based on energy alone.
**Why should Lakers fans love Marcus Smart?**
---------------------------------------------
Obviously, in an ideal world, Smart won’t foul as much as he did. That part could get on the nerves of some fans. But the reality is, that type of thing comes with the territory of his play style.
He’s going to play aggressive defense. He’s going to get up in the bodies of ball-handlers. He’s going to try to draw offensive fouls (and some of them will get called on him).
But all of those types of players are with one thing in mind: Effort. He never stops moving, is constantly hustling, and makes sure to leave every ounce of his soul on the court at all times.
Every single fanbase in the NBA should want a player who plays like that, and for a city as rich with love for the sport as LA, he should instantly become a fan favorite, much like he was with the Boston Celtics.
Smart spent most of the first half bugging Stephen Curry. He got tangled up with the Warriors superstar a few times, and in one instance, he even drew an offensive foul that left Curry’s mouth agape.
Lakers fans should be screaming with glee every time Smart makes a hustle play, because that’s the type of basketball they should want their role players to be playing.
Smart isn’t perfect. He’s not the best offensive player, and he can be prone to some mistakes. But those mistakes are made with effort. And that’s worth something.
He’s never going to be lazy. He’s never going to be the last one up the floor. He’s never going to be the guy who gets caught jogging and giving up easy points.
That’s why his first half in a Lakers uniform should get the fanbase excited. Despite the mistakes, he’s exactly what they should want Lakers basketball to be.