Marcus Smart got a fresh start with the Lakers this season after a disappointing two-year stint with the Grizzlies that ended with a trade deadline salary dump to the Wizards last February.
The Grizzlies are now a team in disarray following the firing of Taylor Jenkins late last season and continued turmoil with superstar Ja Morant to start this year.
In an interview with Josue Pavon of ClutchPoints this week, Smart opened up about his former home and how he feels about the trade nine months later.
“Way better. You see what’s going on now,” Smart told Pavon. “That started with me. I came back from injury, and I got traded because they said I didn’t want to be there. I’m injured. What do you mean, I don’t want to be here? I’m here every day working my a** off, cheering. I’m the only one on the bench coaching, but you know how it is. Control what you can control.”
The Grizzlies gave up two first-round picks in order to acquire Smart from the Celtics back in 2023, but injuries put a damper on his time there. He only played 39 games across two seasons before he was sent to Washington in a three-team deal. The Wizards bought him out this summer, opening the door for him to sign a two-year deal with the Lakers. He’s started eight games for his new team, averaging 9.9 points, 3.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game.
Smart has helped the Lakers get out to a 8-4 start despite the absence of LeBron James. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have been ravaged by injuries while beginning the year with a 4-9 record.
“You could see it. Even when I was there, me and Jake [LaRavia],” Smart said of the Grizzlies continued struggles. “You could see just how they were handling things, going about things. And it’s unfortunate — you’ve got some good talent over there. It’s unfortunate. Hopefully, they can get it together.”
Smart scored 12 points in a win over the Grizzlies back on Oct. 31. He will return to TD Garden for the first time as a Laker on Dec. 5.
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