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Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart is heading to Los Angeles after agreeing to a buyout with the Washington Wizards. The Lakers bolster their defense with this key signing.
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Marcus Smart Bolsters Lakers Defense After Wizards Buyout
The Los Angeles Lakers have landed a significant defensive reinforcement in guard Marcus Smart, who has agreed to a buyout with the Washington Wizards and plans to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers. This move addresses a key need for the Lakers, adding a proven defensive stalwart to their roster.
Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, brings a wealth of experience and tenacity to Los Angeles. His arrival fills the defensive void left by Dorian Finney-Smith’s departure to the Houston Rockets. While Smart’s recent seasons have been hampered by injuries, his track record speaks for itself. He’ll bring a much-needed defensive presence to a Lakers backcourt featuring Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, neither of whom are known for their defensive prowess.
Smart’s Journey to Los Angeles
Smart’s path to the Lakers has been somewhat circuitous. After nine successful seasons with the Boston Celtics, where he consistently contributed to playoff runs, he spent time with both the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards. Injuries limited his playing time in the past two seasons, including a finger injury and a left foot sprain. Despite these setbacks, Smart showcased his scoring ability when healthy, averaging 14.4 points per game with the Grizzlies in the 2023-24 season.
A Defensive Anchor for the Lakers
The Lakers are acquiring Smart primarily for his defensive abilities. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, he possesses the physical tools and athleticism to guard multiple positions, from point guard to small forward. His defensive acumen is exactly what the Lakers need to compete in the challenging Western Conference. Smart’s career defensive rating of 107.9 underscores his consistent impact on that end of the floor. His ability to stay in front of his man and disrupt offensive flow will be crucial for the Lakers.
Building a Contender
The addition of Smart, along with recent acquisitions of center Deandre Ayton and forward Jake LaRavia, signals the Lakers’ ambition to contend in the Western Conference. These moves provide depth and talent across the roster, creating a more balanced and competitive team. Smart’s leadership and playoff experience will also be invaluable assets for a Lakers team looking to make a deep postseason run.
Smart’s Career Highlights
Drafted sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in 2014, Smart has carved out a successful career as both a starter and a reserve. He’s a three-time member of the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team, a testament to his defensive prowess. While his offensive production has fluctuated, his career averages of 10.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds demonstrate his all-around contributions.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers are betting on a healthy and rejuvenated Marcus Smart to provide the defensive backbone they need. His two-year deal with a player option after the first season provides flexibility for both Smart and the Lakers. If Smart can regain his peak form, this signing could prove to be a significant coup for Los Angeles as they aim to return to championship contention.
