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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers complains to a referee during action against the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on February 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers have assembled an offensive roster that they believe should contend for a title. Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves give them three of the best offensive guys on the floor that any team has.
That hasn’t translated into enough wins this season. Right now, the Lakers have just the 11th-best offense in the NBA. Coming into the season, that was supposed to be their strength that they could lean on. Defense was supposed to be the problem.
Marcus Smart was brought in over the summer to help them with that problem. His tenacity as a perimeter defender is why he was brought to Los Angeles. He’s not worried about the team right now and still believes they can win a title.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart shoots the ball. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)
Marcus Smart Believes Lakers Can Still Win the Title
While the Lakers sit fifth in the Western Conference standings, Smart isn’t worried. After practice, he believes the team can still win a championship if they come together at the right time.
“We’re good. The talent is there, we’ve got the pieces. It’s just making them mesh. We haven’t been healthy, which is a big part. When you’re trying to get pieces to mesh, you got to be healthy, different lineups in play. I think that’s going to help us in the long run to our advantage because we got to see different lineups, guys in different spots, and different roles.”
Smart believes LA will be fine once the playoffs roll around, but acknowledges things aren’t perfect right now.
“We definitely have some work to do, everybody knows that, but we’re hanging in there. The objective is, everybody in this league, to come around at the right time to start playing the best basketball you can at the right time.”
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James runs down the court. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)
The Lakers Have Massive Improvements to Make Down the Stretch
Defensively, the Lakers haven’t been much better than they were last season. They have the seventh-worst defense in the NBA. The roster improvements they made in the offseason have not been the right moves. That’s especially true at the center position.
Deandre Ayton was supposed to be an upgrade from Jaxon Hayes at the center spot. Instead, his stats are down across the board. His defensive rating is the worst it has been in his career. His rebounding percentage is the worst, as is his turnover ratio.
Smart’s defensive rating is the worst of his career, as well. The Lakers just haven’t gelled on that end of the court yet this season. Health should make things better, but the entire team needs to play better together. JJ Redick has acknowledged that in press conferences, as well.
Reaves has only played 30 games. James missed the first month of the season. Poor health has been a factor, but the team has no excuses as they head down the final stretch of the season.