Defensive-minded guard Marcus Smart is set to become a member of the Los Angeles Lakers after he clears waivers, and there’s a lot to like about the move from Los Angeles’ side of the coin.
Smart adds a level of perimeter defense to the guard position that the Lakers haven’t had in some time, and he should slot in nicely with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
However, if there’s one reason to perhaps be skeptical of the move, it’s that Smart spent much of last season in and out of the lineup with the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards.
After all, he was limited to just 34 games played during his time with the two teams a season ago. However, according to NBA insider Marc Stein, Smart has been “working hard” on his body this offseason.
“I’m likewise told that Smart (like Doncic) has been working hard on his body this summer,” Stein wrote. “Conditioning was an undeniable issue for Smart last season, but the Lakers were convinced during their pursuit that they will see a sleeker version of the 2021-22 DPOY.”
While Smart’s 2024-25 season was marred by injuries, he’s had seasons at the highest level where he’s managed to keep a relatively clean bill of health. He played in 60-plus games as recently as the 2022-23 campaign.
Plus, in the 2021-22 season, he played 71 games with the Boston Celtics and helped the team make an NBA Finals appearance.
Smart’s conditioning and availability will both be things to keep an eye on in his maiden season with the Lakers, but it appears that he’s making strides to improve in those areas. The 31-year-old has proven that he’s a highly impactful two-way player when he’s at full strength.
Smart hangs his hat on the less glamorous end of the floor and can guard several positions with his blend of quickness and strength, but he can make a positive impact on the offensive side, too.
He shot 39.2 percent from deep in 15 games played with the Wizards in the 2024-25 season, and Lakers fans are hoping he can carry over that red-hot shooting to his new team.
Los Angeles earned the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference last season, and it is looking to have a deep playoff run in the 2025-26 campaign.
