Former defensive stalwart Marcus Smart has signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, much to the delight of Lakers fans, adding much-needed depth to the team. At 31, Smart spent nine seasons with the Boston Celtics, earning a reputation as one of the league’s toughest and most physical defenders.
After a disappointing 39-game stretch with the Memphis Grizzlies, Smart was acquired by the Washington Wizards at the trade deadline. The point guard was set to earn over $21 million this season.
Smart isn’t quite the player he once was; injuries and a decline in speed have impacted his availability. Nevertheless, if Smart embraces a supporting role, he could be a valuable asset for the Lakers, who need strong defenders on the perimeter without expecting him to be a starter. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 220 pounds, Smart has long been capable of guarding most opponents. While his defensive agility may be diminished, his high basketball IQ remains intact, potentially bringing a wealth of defensive expertise to the Lakers.
Offensively, Smart has never been a standout shooter. He often takes three-pointers, but his shot selection varies each season. However, Smart understands his limitations, having taken fewer than 6,000 shots over 11 seasons, and he maintains a career shooting percentage of just 38.8%.
Smart’s ability to guard elite perimeter players makes the Lakers’ defensive pairing of Luka Doncic and LeBron James promising, though there are concerns about the offensive spacing around Doncic.
For the Washington Wizards, losing Smart is a significant setback. The team, which has a young roster, relied on Smart to provide leadership and defensive guidance to players like Bab Carrington and rookie Tre Johnson. While Smart’s desire to join a more competitive team is understandable given his age, the Wizards lose a veteran presence who could influence the team behind the scenes.
Though Smart’s departure opens up playing time for the Wizards’ younger players, losing his experience, work ethic, and tactical understanding is a blow to their development process.
Fan Take: Marcus Smart joining the Lakers is a game-changer for both the team and the fans, injecting valuable veteran defense and leadership into a roster in need of stability. This move highlights how experienced players can still shape the dynamics of championship contenders, underscoring the ongoing importance of defense and basketball IQ in the modern NBA.
