Marcus Smart has appeared in only 54 out of 164 possible games since being traded from the Celtics to Memphis two years ago. After agreeing to a buyout with the Wizards, Smart signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers this past Tuesday. He expressed confidence that his injury problems are now behind him and that he still has much to offer on the court.
Smart Reflects on Recent Career Challenges and Fresh Motivation
During a press conference, Smart described the last two seasons as disappointing due to injuries holding him back.
“I still have a lot left in the tank,”
he said, emphasizing his renewed drive. He acknowledged the twists of fate that brought him to the Lakers, recalling,
“It’s funny that 12 years ago, I could have been here and now it’s full circle and I’m here.”
This fresh opportunity has reinvigorated his ambitions.
Fresh Start with a Championship-Caliber Team
Originally drafted sixth overall by the Celtics in 2014, just ahead of the Lakers’ pick of Julius Randle, Smart now sees joining the Lakers as a chance to compete for a title. He believes the team stacks up with the league’s best and is optimistic about their prospects.
“I think our ceiling is high. I think there’s no ceiling,”
Smart explained, highlighting the importance of teamwork and focus in reaching their goals.
Luka Doncic’s Role in Convincing Smart to Sign
Luka Doncic played a key part in persuading Smart to join the Lakers roster. Smart mentioned how Doncic reached out personally to discuss the potential collaboration.
“When you get a guy like Luka calling… checking on you, trying to see where you’re at, to see if you want to come join something special that he’s trying to cook up over here,”
he said.
“For him to say that he can really use my help, that meant a lot.”
Smart is expected to contribute significant minutes off the bench, backing up Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Defensive Expertise to Fill Lakers’ Key Need
The Lakers identified a need for a strong perimeter defender, and Smart, who earned the title of Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, fits that role perfectly. Smart plans to bring his trademark intensity and defensive skills to the team.
“Come in and do what I do and that’s [being] a tenacious defender, just bringing the intensity that I bring, my leadership, my basketball IQ, as well,”
he said.
“But just being the pest that I’ve always been.”
Looking Ahead to Smart’s Impact on the Lakers
Marcus Smart’s arrival marks a pivotal moment for both his career and the Lakers’ ambitions. Returning from injury setbacks, he brings experience, leadership, and strong defensive ability to a team aiming for championship success. With Smart’s renewed health and motivation, combined with the Lakers’ talented roster including Doncic and Reaves, the team appears well-positioned to contend at a high level next season.