The Los Angeles Lakers need Marcus Smart in the starting five because he can guard dynamic scorers and is making open 3-pointers. He opened the game against the Jazz on Thursday night with Austin Reaves out and played a crucial role in the win. The Lakers desperately need his defense, toughness, and energy. He isn’t going anywhere, despite rumored interest. Head coach JJ Redick must start him moving forward.
Injuries have been a problem for Smart. He played just 54 games in the last two seasons combined and has already missed nine of the first 26 contests in his inaugural season with the Lakers. Smart’s minutes should be monitored closely, but Smart is the piece Los Angeles needs.
The Lakers have defensive questions with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James in their starting five. Deandre Ayton is locked in as the starting center when healthy. The fifth spot is wide open, and Smart proved exactly why he should be that man moving forward.
Marcus Smart should be a starter for the Lakers
Smart had 17 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal in the win over the Jazz, but it was his five 3-pointers made and plus-12 in 28 minutes that told the story for the veteran. He fouled out in the fourth quarter, but Smart flipped the game in LA’s favor. Utah led for most of the game, but the veteran’s energy and shot-making were a must.
Smart was only shooting 30.5 percent from 3-point range coming into this game, but he made five of nine on Thursday. Since returning from injury three games ago, Smart is 14 of 28 from long range. Teams are leaving him open, and the veteran is making them pay.
The Lakers can’t seriously contend without a defensive improvement. Smart’s ability to check the elite scoring guards in the Western Conference gives him the edge over Rui Hachimura. It was Smart taking on the Keyonte George matchup against the Jazz. Coach Redick needs that option moving forward.
Smart won Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and has made first-team All-Defense three times. He may no longer be that defender, but his ability to draw charges, guard multiple players, and make smart plays is exactly what the Lakers need.
LA would love to trade for a 3-and-D wing at the deadline to give them more depth. Still, Marcus Smart should be the starter next to Luka, LeBron, and AR.
It hinges on Smart continuing to make jumpers. He seems to have no issues with wide-open looks, and there will be plenty of those with the Lakers' three stars on the floor.
The Los Angeles Lakers have won their last three games with Marcus Smart in the starting five, and head coach JJ Redick should make him a permanent fixture in that group. They need his defense in the backcourt and the energy he provides. Rui Hachimura should move into the second unit. The Lakers need exactly what Smart brings, so this is an easy and necessary decision.