Marcus Smart has only played 54 games over the last two NBA seasons. That is not a pretty number. However, Marc Stein reported the newest addition to the Los Angeles Lakers is working overtime to ensure a return to his best self.
Stein wrote, "I'm likewise told that Smart ... has been working hard on his body this summer. Conditioning was an undeniable issue for Smart last season, but the Lakers were convinced during their pursuit that they will see a sleeker version of the 2021-22 DPOY.
The Lakers paid a steep price to acquire the former All-NBA defender. Not only did they hand him a two-year, $11 million contract, but they had to clear way for the financials of that deal.
It came at the expense of waiving veteran Shake Milton, which was reportedly in the works for a while. However, also needing to cut ties with Jordan Goodwin meant surrendering a player who had done a lot to earn his spot with the Lakers. Smart must meet the expectations that will surround him as a result.
Lakers need Marcus Smart close to his peak in 2025-26 NBA season
Hoping that Smart returns to the level of player that he was as a Defensive Player of the Year winner may be a little too lofty of an expectation. Hoping that the two-way guard is better than what has been showcased since his departure from the Celtics is a necessity.
Smart struggling to stay on the court has already been highlighted. When the former Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards guard was playing, it left a bit to be desired.
Over the past two seasons, Smart has averaged only 23.8 minutes of playing time. That included 11.0 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game during those 54 appearances. The veteran guard shot 41.1 percent from the field and 33.1 percent from beyond the arc.
His 15 games in a Wizards uniform did offer some statistics that would leave reason for optimism. Smart posted his best per-36 points per game average (18.0) of his career. The streaky shooter also averaged 39.2 percent from 3-point land.
It is important to remember how small the sample size is. Despite that, it should not be ignored altogether.
Marcus Smart's defense has been legit in a lot of areas even over the past several seasons.
— Cranjis McBasketball (@Tim_NBA) July 19, 2025
His rebounding has always been a huge weak spot. pic.twitter.com/jLgSzztp7o
The Lakers will be far less interested in the offensive side of the court, though. The main focal point of what is needed out of Smart comes from the defensive end.
Los Angeles needed an upgrade to their perimeter defense, and specifically their point of attack. If Smart can mimic close to the success that was had with the Celtics, the Lakers will enjoy a significant boost to their championship hopes.
Betting on the three-time All-Defensive guard was a gamble worth taking for the Lakers. The hopes will be that of a jackpot with what is seen from Smart in the 2025-26 season.