The Los Angeles Lakers made a significant acquisition by signing Marcus Smart, the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, ahead of the new season. Despite concerns about Smart’s injury history that limited him to 54 games over the past two years, the Lakers received encouraging news that a fitter and more conditioned Smart is expected to join their training camp this fall.
This Marcus Smart Lakers signing update highlights the team’s effort to strengthen their defense following the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency. Smart’s addition is expected to fill a crucial role either as a starter or the team’s Sixth Man, providing tough perimeter defense and veteran leadership.
How Luka Doncic Influenced Marcus Smart’s Decision to Join the Lakers
The Lakers successfully outmaneuvered several competing teams, including the New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, and Milwaukee Bucks, to secure Smart’s signing. According to reports, the Knicks showed preliminary interest but could not offer the role Smart desired, nor match the financial terms available to him elsewhere.
Luka Doncic’s involvement was instrumental in persuading Smart to commit to the Lakers. The Dallas star personally encouraged Smart to join him in Los Angeles after the Veteran guard was granted permission by the Washington Wizards to explore opportunities following a buyout agreement. Smart ultimately signed a two-year deal worth $11 million, with a player option for the second year.
I’m likewise told that Smart (like Dončić) has been working hard on his body this summer. 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,
—Marc Stein, NBA insider
Per source, Knicks couldn’t offer the type of role Marcus Smart was looking for,
—Stefan Bondy, New York Post
I’m told that the recent Dončić pitch, once Washington granted the 31-year-old and his agent Jason Glushon permission to talk to other teams in search of a post-buyout landing spot, particularly resonated with Smart and helped lead the former Defensive Player of the Year to choose the Lakers over a determined push by the Suns to land the former Celtic,
—Marc Stein, NBA insider
The Lakers’ front office, led by general manager Rob Pelinka, seized the opportunity to acquire a seasoned defender who fills a vital gap on the roster. Smart’s reputation as a relentless, high-energy guard who can guard multiple positions aligns with the Lakers’ strategic focus for the upcoming season.
Marcus Smart’s Journey: From Defensive Player of the Year to NBA Journeyman
Marcus Smart earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022, becoming the first guard to win the honor since Gary Payton in the 1995-96 season. A three-time All-Defensive First Team selection, Smart was a cornerstone of the Boston Celtics’ defense during their run to the NBA Finals in 2022 and multiple Eastern Conference Finals appearances.
However, his career trajectory shifted after Boston traded him in 2023 as part of a three-team deal that brought Kristaps Porzingis to the Celtics. Porzingis’ arrival helped Boston claim their 18th NBA championship in 2024, but Smart’s move triggered several challenging seasons marked by injuries and frequent trades.
Smart split time between the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards, but injuries severely limited his playing time to just 54 games over the last two seasons. After appearing in only 20 games with Memphis, he was traded midseason to Washington in a salary-cutting move, where he played 15 games. His output during that stint averaged 9.3 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals in less than 19 minutes per game, showcasing glimpses of his defensive prowess despite limited court time.
While Smart’s production was affected by health problems and a diminished role, the Lakers are betting on his experience and defensive tenacity to reclaim his previous form. The team’s belief in Smart’s conditioned comeback was a decisive factor in signing him as they look to shore up defensive intensity and depth on the wing.
What Smart’s Addition Means for the Lakers’ Defensive Strategy
The Lakers face a key transition phase after losing Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency, who had been vital in perimeter defense and versatile guarding assignments. Marcus Smart offers a comparable skill set with his aggressive, point-of-attack defense that can disrupt opposing ball handlers and guard multiple positions effectively.
Smart’s presence on the roster also enhances the Lakers’ flexibility by providing a defensive-minded guard who can lead the second unit or start alongside stars like LeBron James, depending on the rotation. This addition may invigorate Los Angeles’ defensive schemes, providing toughness and intensity that were missing in prior campaigns.
With training camp on the horizon, reports suggest that a “sleeker” Smart is coming back fitter and better prepared physically after a rigorous summer conditioning regimen. If he stays healthy and maintains his conditioning, he could regain his status as one of the league’s premier defenders and contribute meaningfully on both ends of the court.
The Lakers’ strategic signing of Marcus Smart, influenced by Luka Dončić’s involvement, marks a pivotal move to boost their defensive strength heading into the new NBA season. How well Smart adapts and performs will likely impact the Lakers’ ability to compete deep into the playoffs and aim for another championship run.