Many have already begun envisioning what a starting unit with Marcus Smart could look like for the Los Angeles Lakers. Others, still need convincing that is the right move for the franchise.
Mike Breshahan of the Lakeshow podcast belonged to the latter. The Lakers analyst believed Smart was still too unproven of a commodity to just hand him a spot among the starters.
"Is he in that starting five," Breshahan said, echoing the questions of fans. "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."
Breshahan continued by saying Smart should be coming off the bench at first. If defense became a problem for the Lakers, that is when the analyst thought it would be time to find a way to get the Lakers guard into the starting lineup. That comes contingent on strong play and good health.
Lakers won’t commit until Marcus Smart proves his concerns are behind him
Making room among the starters for Smart is an easy task for the Lakers. However, to Breshahan's point, the team need to be given ample reason to make that adjustment.
Before the Luka Doncic trade, the Lakers had a proven formula for success with what their starting lineup looked like. The best version of that always involved Rui Hachimura among the first five to begin any matchup.
That is the guy whose spot Smart will be after. There is perhaps an argument to say that it is not just Hachimura who should be put on trial. A case can be made for Austin Reaves dropping down to the second unit for a much-needed leader among that group.
However, the type of success Doncic has previously enjoyed with guards like Kyrie Irving and Jalen Brunson would put those arguments to bed pretty quickly. Once more, the spotlight shifts back to the only other person whose spot in the starting five may be up for debate.
Hachimura's offensive value is very clear. The Lakers forward is exactly the type of knockdown shooter, particularly from the corners, that Doncic loves playing with. Hachimura shot 41.3 percent from beyond the arc in 2024-25.
On purely catch-and-shoot looks, the 27-year-old shot 41.7 percent from beyond the arc on 4.1 attempts per game. Luka's ability to create wide-open looks from 3-point land could not have a better recipient on the Lakers.
Smart will need to deliver defense resembling that of his Boston Celtics days to truly get his breakthrough. The gameplan on that end does get a lot easier when the tenacious guard can be tasked with the toughest defensive matchup.
Smart undoubtedly has a case to secure the prominent role that could await him. However, the former Defensive Player of the Year will need to work his way into that position.