As of Dec. 15, Marcus Smart became trade eligible for the Los Angeles Lakers. Does that really change anything for the tenacious defender? Not particularly, no. Despite trade season being well under way, Smart should not be expected to go anywhere.
That was the message in the latest rumor mill round-up by Jake Fischer. The NBA insider revealed to everyone that Smart was drawing interest from the Milwaukee Bucks amid a desperate plea to get their superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, to stay in town. The Lakers have no interest.
Fischer wrote, "It's difficult to see the Lakers making him available A) after securing Smart on a favorable deal via the buyout market and B) when they have their own point-of-attack defensive issues."
To the point of the rumor mill guru, the Lakers guard signed a two-year, $10.5 million deal during the 2025 offseason. Even with the uncomfortable concern of injuries always looming overhead, that is exceptional value for what Smart has to offer on the court when available to contribute.
Marcus Smart should be staying put in Los Angeles for the rest of the season
In 16 games for the Lakers this season, Smart is averaging 10.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.6 steals in 27.2 minutes per game. The veteran guard is shooting 42.1 percent from the field, 30.5 percent from beyond the arc, and 91.7 percent from the free throw line.
Smart has started 10 of the 16 games he's been available for. The Lakers have gone 12-4 with him in the lineup, and only 6-3 when the former Defensive Player of the Year has been absent. That is a 62-win pace versus a 54-win pace.
The leadership and energy provided by Smart is not easily replaceable. The Lakers would have no sound reason to dangle their freshly-acquired veteran man without having a trade that could only be seen as an indisputable win for the franchise.
Milwaukee, specifically, would have very little they would theoretically be willing to part with in Smart's price range that draws serious interest from Los Angeles. That much is true before even addressing the elephant in the room.
Why would the Lakers want to help the Bucks?
Even if it is a long shot, doing anything to help Milwaukee make any sort of strides to securing Giannis' position with the franchise should not be of any interest to a Los Angeles team who would love to employ him themselves. Smart has no good reason to be brought up here.