Marcus Smart, the newly signed point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, almost joined the Phoenix Suns during the recent offseason, according to <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA insider Marc Stein. Smart ultimately chose the Lakers, finalized a two-year contract, and became a key addition as the team looks to strengthen its roster for the upcoming season.
Smart’s Journey Through Multiple Teams in 2024-25
Before landing in Los Angeles, Marcus Smart spent the 2024-25 season playing for both the Memphis Grizzlies and the Washington Wizards. He arrived in Washington as part of a three-team trade midseason. After the Wizards bought out his contract on July 20, Smart signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers.
Why Smart Chose the Lakers Over Other Offers
Following his signing, Smart explained his decision to join the Lakers instead of the Suns or other interested teams. He highlighted the influence of key figures in the league and the opportunity to be part of a promising project with the Lakers.
“Two of the best to do it in this game, two greats with the greatest basketball IQs that I’ve ever seen in this era,”
Smart said.
“And when you get a guy like Luka. Calling, referencing, checking on you, trying to see where you at to see if you want to come and join something special that he’s trying to cook up over here. And for him to say that he can really use my help, that meant a lot.”
—Marcus Smart, Lakers Guard
Smart’s Defensive Excellence and On-Court Contributions
Known as an elite defender, Marcus Smart has earned three NBA All-Defensive team selections and won the Defensive Player of the Year award during the 2021-22 season. From 2016-17 through 2023-24, he consistently averaged over 10 points per game. His scoring dipped slightly in 2024-25, largely due to reduced playing time, averaging 9.0 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 rebounds in about 20 minutes per game.
Additional Key Lakers Acquisitions Strengthening the Squad
The Lakers supplemented their roster further by signing big man DeAndre Ayton to address a significant team need, along with forward Jake LaRavia to provide depth off the bench. These additions aim to boost the Lakers’ competitiveness and provide balance alongside their existing stars.
How the Lakers’ New Signings Position Them for Title Contention
The Lakers’ recent acquisitions, including Marcus Smart, have effectively replaced departed players such as 3-and-D specialist Dorian Finney-Smith, who signed with the Houston Rockets in free agency. With a solid mix of veteran leadership, defensive prowess, and fresh talent, the team is preparing to contend strongly in the 2025-26 NBA season.