When free agency started across the NBA a few weeks ago, things didn’t look good for the Los Angeles Lakers. They promptly lost key 3-and-D forward Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets, and while they signed forward Jake LaRavia, he isn’t seen as a complete replacement for Finney-Smith, especially on the defensive end.
But later on, the Lakers started to do better. They signed Deandre Ayton, a very skilled center who should also address their rebounding problems, while retaining Jaxson Hayes, who will now be their backup 5. On Saturday, they got former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to agree to join them on a two-year, $11 million contract after he agreed to a buyout of his contract with the Washington Wizards.
Suddenly, it looks like the Lakers have assembled a very strong roster, even if it isn’t a championship-caliber one. Smart has been riddled by injuries over the last two years, but many feel he will be an excellent addition to a Lakers team that has badly needed high-level perimeter defense and toughness.
Experts are saying that L.A. is getting a game-changer in Smart. David Yapkowitz of ClutchPoints gave the acquisition a B-plus grade and pointed out how the guard’s defense will help.
“While Smart might not be the tallest guard out there, he’s made up for it with his tenacity on the defensive end,” Yapkowitz wrote. “He’s able to guard multiple positions due to his strength and defensive instincts. And he’s the only guard who’s won the Defensive Player of the Year Award since Gary Payton in 1996.
“Smart can excel in different ways defensively including his ability to switch and to be the primary point of attack defender. For that reason, it’s possible that Smart could be an option to start alongside Austin Reaves in the backcourt.”
Yapkowitz added that had it not been for Smart’s health issues recently, he would’ve given this acquisition an A grade.
Kevin Pelton of ESPN gave the move a B grade, but he seems a little less bullish on Smart.
“The big question is what Smart the Lakers are getting,” Pelton wrote. “He struggled during the first half of last season with the Memphis Grizzlies, shooting just 36% before the Grizzlies moved him to Washington at the deadline for expiring contracts.
“Smart played just 39 games during two seasons in Memphis after dealing with multiple injuries and failing to make the same impact at either end as he did with the Celtics.
“… I would have preferred De’Anthony Melton in a 3-and-D role for the Lakers’ backcourt. If Melton is headed elsewhere — he’s been linked to rejoining the Golden State Warriors after ACL surgery ended his brief Warriors stint last season — then bringing in Smart at a bargain deal is a reasonable plan B for Los Angeles.”
Vishwesha Kumar of Fadeaway World also gave the Smart acquisition a B grade and wrote about how the 31-year-old can become an X-factor for Los Angeles.
“While not an offensive threat, Smart’s defensive intensity, switchability, and toughness offer traits the Lakers lacked on the perimeter,” Kumar wrote.
“He also brings a winning mentality and championship experience, having played a major role in Boston’s Finals run a few years ago. Perhaps most importantly, Luka Doncic reportedly recruited Smart to the Lakers, understanding the value of having someone who can take on tough guard assignments and allow him to focus more on offense.
“Smart may not be a starter, but in a playoff series, he could be the kind of piece who swings momentum with hustle plays and clutch stops. … Smart adds grit, defense, and leadership.”
The biggest key will be whether Smart avoids a significant injury this coming season after playing in just 54 games the past two seasons. If he does stay relatively healthy, he could become a major glue guy for the Purple and Gold, as he is also a solid secondary ball-handler and facilitator.
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