Marcus Smart's defensive prowess could be the key to Lakers' revival alongside Luka Dončić https://t.co/KUhuv1ZNB6— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 17, 2025
Smart’s defensive prowess could be key to Lakers’ revival under Luka
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June 17, 2025 5 Comments
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FROM THE ABOVE ARTICLE:
Lakers’ Defensive Revival: The Case for Marcus Smart
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a crucial juncture, grappling with the reality of their current roster configuration in the absence of a dominant big man. While the challenges are evident, particularly on the defensive end, the solution may not solely hinge on acquiring a traditional center. Instead, the focus could shift to bolstering their backcourt with a player who embodies defensive excellence: Marcus Smart.
A Defensive Dynamo
Marcus Smart, a former guard for the Boston Celtics, has carved out a reputation as one of the league’s premier defenders. Averaging 10 points per game throughout his career, his true value lies in his relentless defensive tenacity. Smart has earned accolades that underscore his prowess, including the coveted Defensive Player of the Year award and three selections to the All-Defensive First Team. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and guard multiple positions makes him a rare asset in today’s NBA.
Lakers’ Defensive Shortcomings
The Lakers’ defensive struggles have been magnified in recent seasons, particularly with the departure of Anthony Davis. While rumors have circulated regarding the need for a center to fill the void, the reality is that the team’s perimeter defense also requires significant attention. Current backcourt players, including Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, do not consistently rank as strong defenders, highlighting an urgent need for improvement.
A Strategic Fit for the Lakers
Currently with the Washington Wizards after being traded from the Memphis Grizzlies, Smart finds himself in a situation that may not align with his ambitions. At 31, he is not a long-term fit for a rebuilding franchise like the Wizards, where his talents could be underutilized. Transitioning to the Lakers would not only allow Smart to thrive alongside elite players but also provide him with the opportunity to impact winning basketball once again. His experience and defensive acumen could significantly enhance the Lakers’ backcourt, creating a formidable duo with Dončić.
Future Implications for the Lakers
As the Lakers look toward the offseason, the potential acquisition of Marcus Smart could serve as a turning point for the franchise. His arrival would not only address immediate defensive needs but also set the stage for a more competitive team moving forward. The synergy between Smart and Dončić could redefine the team’s identity, infusing it with a defensive mindset that complements their offensive capabilities.
In conclusion, while the Lakers may be exploring various options to revitalize their roster, the addition of Marcus Smart stands out as a strategic move that could reshape their defensive landscape. Embracing a player with Smart’s caliber may not just enhance their chances of success in the upcoming season but also lay the groundwork for a new era of Lakers basketball, centered on resilience and defensive strength
FROM THE ABOVE ARTICLE:
The Washington Wizards are among the worst teams in the NBA, and it may take them a while to become good again, pending any surprises. Even though that was the case this season, that didn’t stop them from acquiring former Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart when they had the chance.
The Wizards acquired Smart primarily to acquire another asset when they agreed to take him off the Memphis Grizzlies’ hands. As Washington focuses more on its rebuild, Smart may be on his fourth team in the last two years soon enough.
In the last two seasons, Smart has played a combined 54 games. That might be why trading him has been challenging for Washington. NBA insider Matt Moore reported on his Substack that the Wizards have had issues trying to trade Smart and may have to wait a while before getting a deal done.
“The Wizards would like to move Marcus Smart to a contender, but there’s been little interest so far,” Moore wrote. “He might be one of the guys moved in the latter days of free agency after teams strike out on other targets.”
Smart will be paid almost $21.6 million for the 2025-26 season, the last year of his current contract. Notably, the Celtics are trying to save money this offseason, which could lead to a reunion in Boston.
The Wizards acquired Smart to get draft assets, so if the Celtics dangle that along with an expensive contract, Smart could be a Celtic again.
Was this written 3 seasons ago? Smart hasn’t averaged even close to 1 Defensive Win Share since his last season in Boston. Since then, in Memphis, he’s had a negative win share on offense without anything close to the defensive win share impact he had in Bean Town. At over $21 million you’d need to give at least 2 players who have already established themselves as well as Smart has been able to. Washington is looking for a complete and total bail out. If he gets waived the Lakers may have a shot at him but there’s no reason to trade anyone who can actually play and contribute for him at this point.
Jamie and others…I was just looking back at the guards that have started alongside Luka Doncic in his career, I only glanced at his first few years in Dallas, and I presume Kyrie toward the end of his Dallas stint. The season and the playoffs are quite long. Back to the stats, and I feel stats are sometimes overspoken and overused at times (gives commentators an opportunity to enlighten us or just to “look smart”)…and I’m not going to recap NBA Defensive Rating…but I’ll mention it because no one else is pulling up the numbers….SGA and Caruso have great DRTGs…Cam Reddish (history now) has had a better DRTG than Smart the past 2 seasons…the Lakers are unique in that they have 3 players that can and usually do run the offense (Lebron, Reaves and Doncic) and none of the three are the prototypical NBA point guards….Goodwin has a better DRTG than Vincent, and those two are both listed as point guards….I go with the gut feeling that Marcus Smart is not a great target to give up assets for. Would he be a good acquisition as a near freebie, toward the trade deadline which by that point an evaluation can be made on the state of his game ??? For a playoff run, perhaps….but his game has been questionable the past two years, same as Vanderbilt and Vincent….I don’t wish to continue to play fantasy basketball with trade proposals….the Lakers should focus on the center position, improving the defense in each player, perhaps the entire coaching staff needs to be accountable in that effort as well. If my memory serves….some of the best runs the Lakers had this past season were with Jaxson Hayes as center…and I know he is not thee answer, but perhaps he should not be tossed aside as many seem to have, since he is out of contract. He definitely contributed more than Christian Wood was able to.