The Los Angeles Lakers continue to build an offensive roster ahead of their championship push next season.
The franchise recently signed former defensive player of the year Marcus Smart and agreed to bring the roster to 14 players.
Smart joins DeAndreaton, which projects as the Lakers’ primary center option. This addition reflects the organization’s commitment to addressing positional needs through proven veterans.
Throughout the offseason process, guard depth remained a priority. The Lakers pursued multiple backcourt options before settling down to Marcus Smart, including players who ultimately signed or weren’t available elsewhere.
Bradley Beal generated great interest before joining Crosstown’s rival Clippers. Former Boston Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon also appeared on the Lakers radar while searching for two-way contributors.
NBA insider Brett Siegel reported that the Lakers approached the Minnesota Timberwolves about Donte Divinsenzo and received a quick rejection from the Timberwolves organization.
“Los Angeles also reached out to the Minnesota Timber Wolves about the availability of Don Teddy Vincento, but the wolves were not interested at all,” Siegel wrote, highlighting his commitment to maintaining Minnesota’s versatile security guards.
Divincenzo gives you exactly what the Lakers wanted in their backcourt search. The defensively oriented guard offers secondary scoring punches while maintaining excellent 3-point shooting efficiency.
His 2024 production included 11.7 points, 3.6 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 steel per game with 39.7% 3-point shooting.
Smart’s reputation focuses on elite defensive capabilities rather than offensive consistency. However, his tenure in Washington showed that he improved filming at 39.2% beyond the Ark.
The Lakers need to be smart to replicate that three-point efficiency, especially in a few minutes of non-Luka Doncic. Meanwhile, his defensive versatility, especially at the boundary, remains his main asset.
Smart’s experience with Boston adds veteran leadership to the roster seeking playoff stability, as the Lakers’ depth is inconsistent in the depths of last season.
The Lakers operate just over $1 million from the original APRON tax standard, limiting their ability to pursue premium players.
Smart’s signatures could represent a final significant addition, unless the roster movement creates additional space.
Their 14-man roster, led by LeBron James and Donsic, offers depth and versatility, but the success of the championship depends on health and chemistry development.
Smart and Ayton represent the calculation risk that allows them to determine whether the Lakers will compete for a title or not reach their expectations again.