The Los Angeles Lakers made a significant roster adjustment on Saturday by reaching an agreement with veteran guard Marcus Smart, enhancing their defensive capabilities around stars LeBron James and Luka Dončić. This move addresses a critical need for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season in the Western Conference. The agreement reportedly includes a two-year, $11 million contract, pending waiver clearance, signaling the Lakers’ commitment to boosting their perimeter defense.

Prior to signing Smart, Los Angeles had focused on improving their frontcourt by acquiring center Deandre Ayton and forward Jake LaRavia. Though Ayton is expected to solidify the team’s interior defense, concerns lingered regarding the perimeter, especially following the departure of defensive specialist Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets.

Lakers Insider Highlights Financial and Defensive Benefits of Smart Signing

NBA analyst Jovan Buha praised the acquisition as a shrewd move that elevates the Lakers’ offseason performance. In his assessment, the addition of Smart alongside Ayton and LaRavia transforms what was initially viewed as a modest offseason into an impressive one.

This, to me, elevates — I’ve been talking about their offseason being a B or B-plus — for me, this elevates it to an A-minus,

Buha said.

And if you look at what they were able to turn the non-taxpayer MLE and bi-annual exception into with Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart, I think those are all just incredible values, respective to the players at similar price points in free agency. Also, fits a real need, and those are the two top-line takeaways with Marcus Smart, for me, it’s value and it’s fit,

he added.

Buha emphasized how Smart’s defensive abilities will fill a glaring weakness in the Lakers’ backcourt, which has lacked a consistent defensive presence, particularly against elite perimeter opponents.

The Lakers desperately needed a good-to-elite perimeter defender. I think he checks that box,

Buha explained.

I don’t think he’s quite the same level that he was in Boston in 2022 when he won Defensive Player of the Year, but he still grades out very well in all advanced metrics defensively.

Although Smart has faced injury setbacks since being traded from the Boston Celtics in the 2023 offseason—appearing in only 54 games over two years with the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies—the Lakers clearly view his defensive skillset as critical. When healthy, he remains a relentless defender, making his acquisition a strategic priority for Los Angeles.

Smart Expected to Start and Anchor Lakers’ Defense

Discussion about Smart’s role in the Lakers’ rotation suggests he will earn a starting spot alongside Luka Dončić, LeBron James, Deandre Ayton, and shooting guard Austin Reaves. The anticipated three-guard lineup would likely shift forward Rui Hachimura to a bench role, resulting in a smaller but more defensively focused team on the floor.

Buha supports this configuration, highlighting that the defensive trade-off is worthwhile given Smart’s proven abilities.

If we’re grading players out of 10, I think he’s at least an 8.0 defensively, if not like an 8.5,

Buha stated.

I think he steps in and is immediately LA’s best defender. I think he should start.

The Lakers’ head coach, JJ Redick, now enters his second season managing a roster that is deeper and better equipped to overcome the challenges that limited the team in the previous year’s first-round playoff exit. The additions of Smart, Ayton, and LaRavia represent a calculated effort to address both frontcourt deficiencies and perimeter defensive vulnerabilities.

Implications for Lakers’ Competitive Outlook This Season

By signing Marcus Smart, the Lakers have taken a critical step toward fortifying their defense, a component that was notably lacking during their recent playoff run. Smart’s experience, tenacity, and defensive acumen are expected to blend effectively with the team’s established stars and new frontcourt pieces, providing the Lakers with a more balanced and resilient squad.

This boost in defense could prove vital as Los Angeles seeks to advance deeper into the playoffs and contend strongly in a competitive Western Conference. With a solid perimeter stopper in Smart and promising frontcourt reinforcements, the Lakers’ championship aspirations now rest on a more robust foundation heading into the season.