Former defensive player of the year Marcus Smart has agreed to acquire the deal with Washington Wizard and will all join the LA Lakers.
After just half a season of Washington Wizard, Marcus Smart was meant to leave the team.
Along with Khris Middleton, Smart and CJ McCollum, the Wizards roster looked ready to lead the younger team into revival season.
However, reports say Smart is a trade candidate during the offseason, with the end of an agreement to acquire the team, and LA Lakers are set to become the destination where Luka Doncic will personally recruit him.
Smart was a defensive player in 2022 and went to the NBA Finals with the Boston Celtics that same year.
However, he was traded for the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a three-team deal that saw Christaps Porzingis move to the Celtics.
The 31-year-old is a valuable scorer and one of the best defenders for the team.
He brings extensive experience to the Lakers team led by Doncic and Lebron James.
Fans responded to Smart’s move towards the Lakers. “If Luka is looking for his teammates, LeBron is out. Kruccisport is losing the Lakers’ grip.”
Another thing was added, but “I hate seeing it! It looks terrible in that jersey.”
Someone also said, “Luke cooks the food>legs.”
Another said “The Lakers are fiercely locking up their offensive defense.”
Fans criticized the move, saying, “Adding Ayton and Smart will not change anything for the Lakers.”
Just two seasons ago, Smart was one of the most valuable pieces on the Celtic steam team, including the Championship.
He was at the heart of their roster, but they decided to trade him for what Porzingis could add to the team.
It certainly paid off as the Celtics won the championship in 2024. But it doesn’t take away just how good the player’s smart is. He was important to the heart of the Celtics and he gave great performances throughout his stint there.
However, since moving to the Grizzlies, Smart’s career has been hampered by injuries.
In the past three seasons since leaving the Celtics, Smart has only played 54 games.
If the 31-year-old remains healthy, he could become an asset to the Lakers. Playing with Doncic and James, Smart managed to shoot Three and pinned the defense.
Dorian Finney Smith’s exit removed defensive solidity, but Smart regains it and makes a great addition to the roster.