The Los Angeles Lakers made one of the more underrated but potentially impactful moves of the offseason by signing veteran guard Marcus Smart. After a rocky year that saw him split time between the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies, two teams at the bottom of their respective conferences, Smart is now suiting up for a contender again, and he’s embracing the opportunity with championship-level focus.
For the Lakers, the signing was about more than just adding bench depth. It was about identity. And in Smart, they believe they’ve found a perfect fit.
"“Adding a player like Marcus Smart to our roster allows us to compete at the highest level,” said Lakers President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka. “Marcus epitomizes what it means to prioritize winning above all else – whether that’s making huge plays on the defensive end or hitting critical shots in key moments of the most intense games. He knows and understands playoff winning and will be a key leadership voice in our group.”"Lakers GM Rob Pelinka
Smart, 31, has made a name for himself as one of the league’s toughest defenders and most unselfish competitors. The 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year brings years of postseason experience, a hard-nosed playing style, and a leadership presence that fits seamlessly with a veteran-heavy Lakers roster.
Last season, despite the instability of playing for two struggling franchises, Smart still managed solid numbers: 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.1 steals in just 20.0 minutes per game. The box score might not reflect the full impact, but Smart’s on-court value goes far beyond the stats. His key strengths are hustle plays, defensive rotations, and clutch decision-making.
Now healthy and motivated, Smart has a chance to reset his career trajectory and be a difference-maker in L.A.
A Key Role From the Jump
With LeBron James expected to miss the early part of the season due to injury, Smart may be asked to take on a larger role right away. Whether it’s running the second unit, defending the opposing team’s best guard, or closing games with veteran poise, he’ll be ready.
This isn’t new territory for Smart. During his time with the Boston Celtics, he was often the heart and soul of the team, the emotional leader who brought edge and effort every night. If he can channel even part of that Boston version of himself, the Lakers may have landed one of the most impactful low-profile acquisitions of the entire offseason.
Perfect Fit Alongside the Stars
Smart's two-way ability makes him a seamless fit alongside the Lakers’ core stars. He can knock down open shots, make the right reads in transition, and take pressure off ball-handlers like Luka Doncic or even LeBron himself when healthy.
But his biggest value will likely come on the defensive end. Whether it’s guarding point guards, wings, or switching onto bigger players in crunch time, Smart gives the Lakers defensive versatility that could prove critical in a playoff series. He’s exactly the kind of player championship teams rely on to make the right plays in the biggest moments.
A Fresh Start, A New Opportunity
Smart himself is excited about this next chapter. After spending years fighting in the Eastern Conference Finals and reaching the NBA Finals with the Celtics in 2022, he’s back on a contender — and hungry to prove he still belongs in the conversation as one of the league’s premier glue guys.
For the Lakers, the goal is clear: contend for a title. And with Marcus Smart now in the fold, they’ve added a player who lives for moments like that.
Smart may not have made headlines when he signed in L.A., but don’t be surprised if he becomes one of the most important pieces of this team’s title puzzle.