As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for the 2025-26 NBA season, expectations are sky-high with a star-studded roster featuring Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. The offensive firepower is undeniable, but the Lakers’ success hinges on their ability to address defensive shortcomings. Enter Marcus Smart, the former Defensive Player of the Year, acquired to be the team’s lockdown defender. However, with training camp still on the horizon, concerns are mounting about whether Smart can reclaim his elite defensive form—or if his signing could become a costly misstep.
A Defensive Dilemma
The Lakers’ need for a tenacious on-ball defender is no secret. With Doncic, James, and Reaves leading an explosive offense, the team requires someone to create havoc on the defensive end, guarding the league’s quickest guards and disrupting opposing game plans. On paper, Marcus Smart is the perfect fit. His reputation as a gritty, versatile defender was cemented during his time with the Boston Celtics, where he earned the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year award. But the last two seasons paint a different picture.
Smart, now 31, has been plagued by injuries, appearing in just 54 games over the past two years with the Memphis Grizzlies. His defensive box score plus-minus last season was the worst of his career, and he struggled when matched up against some of the NBA’s fastest guards. Transitioning to guarding wings rather than point guards exposed vulnerabilities, raising questions about whether he can still handle the league’s elite scorers. For a Lakers team desperate for a stopper at the point of attack, Smart’s recent performance is cause for concern.
Can Smart Recapture His Boston Magic?
The Lakers targeted Smart because they believe in his ability to return to form. His desire to play for a contender could reignite the fire that made him a defensive menace in Boston. When healthy and at his peak, Smart is a 6’3” bulldog capable of shutting down opponents and setting the tone for the team’s defense. His tenacity, basketball IQ, and ability to guard multiple positions are exactly what JJ Redick’s squad needs to complement its high-octane offense.
However, expecting Smart to return to his All-Defensive Team caliber at this stage of his career may be optimistic. At 31, and with a history of injuries, his days of peak production could be behind him. While he can still be an impactful defender, the Lakers must temper expectations. Overextending Smart risks further injury, which would exacerbate the team’s defensive woes. Redick faces the challenge of managing Smart’s minutes carefully to maximize his impact without burning him out.
A Tough Call for Opening Night
One of Redick’s first big decisions looms large: who starts at small forward? Rui Hachimura has been a staple in the starting lineup, but his fit alongside Doncic and James has been questioned, particularly on defense. Smart, despite his recent struggles, offers a better defensive fit, especially against dynamic guards like Stephen Curry, whom the Lakers could face on opening night. If Smart proves in training camp that he’s ready to take on the challenge, he could earn the starting nod. However, both Smart and Hachimura have struggled in bench roles, making this a delicate balancing act for Redick.
The Lakers’ coaching staff must determine how to deploy Smart effectively. Playing him 30-plus minutes per game may not be sustainable, but limited minutes could reduce his impact. Finding the sweet spot—where Smart can anchor the defense without risking injury—will be critical. Redick’s ability to navigate this issue could define the Lakers’ early-season performance.
A High-Risk, High-Reward Gamble
The Lakers’ offense is not the concern. With Doncic orchestrating the attack, James providing veteran leadership, and Reaves emerging as a reliable scorer, points will come in bunches. But championship aspirations rest on the team’s ability to get stops, and Smart is their best hope to address this weakness. His track record suggests he can rise to the occasion, but his recent injury history and declining defensive metrics are red flags.
Lakers Nation is on edge, hoping Smart can reward the franchise’s faith. The potential for him to be a slam-dunk addition is there, but so is the risk of disappointment. If Smart can stay healthy and rediscover even a fraction of his Boston-era dominance, he could be the missing piece to elevate the Lakers’ defense. If not, the team may find itself scrambling to address a glaring hole on a roster built to contend.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Marcus Smart. Can he shake off the rust, stay healthy, and deliver the defensive intensity the Lakers desperately need? Or will his signing become a cautionary tale of chasing past glory? For now, there are no easy answers. Redick and the Lakers are banking on Smart’s competitive fire and defensive pedigree to turn things around. Lakers Nation can only hope this gamble pays off, transforming a potential problem into a championship-caliber solution.