Marcus Smart has been absolutely incredible for the Los Angeles Lakers this postseason, and now, they will have quite the challenge ahead of them this summer. Smart is entering the twilight of his career, but he could also try to cash in on a final payday this summer. He has a player option, but the Lakers could still have to work to bring him back.
Having Smart’s defense and shot-making (however inconsistent) is crucial for the Lakers, and it’s been particularly needed while Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have been sidelined. He’s been one of the biggest reasons why the Lakers have been able to take a 3-0 lead over the Houston Rockets in Round 1.
Smart has quickly become one of the Lakers’ most important pieces.
The Lakers have to bring Marcus Smart back this summer
None of this is to say that Smart wasn’t important for the Lakers in the regular season. He had some big-time moments, though there were some downturns, too.
However, through the first three games of LA’s playoff run so far, Smart has been integral to what the Lakers have been doing. He’s been everything for LA.
LeBron James has been great, steering the ship and leading the charge for the Lakers. Luke Kennard has been right behind him, scoring the ball at an extremely high level in place of Doncic and Reaves.
But right alongside those two guys has been Smart, who may be playing the best basketball of his career right now (ironic, considering how many seasons he spent with the Lakers’ rivals, the Boston Celtics).
In the first three games, Smart has averaged 20.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 3.7 steals, and 1.7 blocks while shooting 52.9% from the floor and 50.0% from deep range on 5.3 three-point attempts per contest.
Those are the types of numbers that an All-Star puts up. The types of numbers that a Defensive Player of the Year puts up. Smart has been absolutely incredible.
However, that also means it could be a little bit harder for the Lakers to retain him this summer. Smart is 32 years old, but he still has a few quality seasons left, especially if he can provide a team with these types of minutes.
The Lakers will have to do everything possible to keep Smart around this summer, because he already seems like the perfect depth piece alongside Doncic, Reaves, and James (if he returns).
Smart needs to remain in purple and gold next season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google