The more important Marcus Smart became to what the Los Angeles Lakers were doing this past season, and how JJ Redick rolled out his rotations, the better the team started performing. Coincidence? Absolutely not.
When Smart firmly established himself as the fifth starter beside Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton, the Lakers hit their stride. The veteran guard brought an important element to the starting lineup that was previously missing. They had a go-to point of attack defender.
Grabbing more players capable of playing that role this offseason will be crucial. Smart stands out as the lone player on last year's roster who was capable of filling that defensive task at a high level. That is also why the Lakers cannot let him get out the door in free agency either.
Looking around the league at the names who are expected to be available when free agency starts, a 32-year-old Smart still stands out as the best player on the market at the point of attack on defense. It would be absolute malpractice by the front office to not understand the importance of retaining their own guy here, when the time comes.
Marcus Smart's defensive skill set makes him irreplaceable in Los Angeles
If the Lakers had their way, they would love it if Smart simply picked up the player option he has for the 2026-27 season. However, there is very little reason for him to do that after clearly outplaying the value of the $5.4 million salary he is currently penciled in at for next year.
It is in Smart's best interests to opt out and seek added security on his finances after a strong 2025-26 campaign. At his age, this may be the last opportunity to get a solid payday in the NBA. No one should be blaming him whatsoever for seeking that.
The responsibilities of making a reunion work fall on the Lakers and their front office. They took a gamble on an injury-riddled Smart around almost this time a year ago. What they got for that once risky endeavor was an elite defensive season from the former DPOY.
There is still a fine line of not overpaying to keep him in town. The Lakers do need all the cap space they can get to make upgrades across the board. Plus, in an ideal world, they can move Smart to the bench next season and get a new player in there as the starter in his position. That would help preserve him in the long-term.
Apart from navigating those obstacles, there should be little reason for the Lakers to even entertain the idea of Smart getting out the door. The need is clear and the fit is strong.
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