The Los Angeles Lakers just signed Marcus Smart, but with his injury history, they are at risk of having no on-ball stoppers at the guard position if/when he’s out. In recent years, Smart has been unable to stay on the court consistently, and that doesn’t bode well for the Lakers’ perimeter defense.
At face value, Smart is a perfect fit for LA’s roster. He’s a menace on the defensive end, and with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves leading the backcourt, they need guys who can help them get stops. Smart fills that role beautifully. But if he gets hurt, they will be in a pretty tough spot in that regard.
And, unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to stay on the floor.
What is Marcus Smart’s injury history?
For the past three seasons, Smart has struggled to stay on the court. Ever since the Boston Celtics traded him, he’s been in an ongoing battle with the injury bug.
In his first season with the Memphis Grizzlies (2023-24), Smart only appeared in 20 games. Some of that had to do with Memphis’ decision to tank toward the end of the year, but Smart’s injury (and injuries to other core players) led to that choice in the first place.
Then, last season, Smart only played in 34 games, split between his time with the Grizzlies and Washington Wizards. Like his first season, Smart likely missed at least a few games due to his team being in a position to tank, but still, he didn’t come anywhere close to the full 82.
Ankle and finger issues have been the most common ailments Smart has dealt with in the past two seasons.
Who else on the Lakers can defend the perimeter?
Therein lies the issue.
In order to land Smart with the BAE, the Lakers had to release Jordan Goodwin, who emerged as a solid rotation piece for JJ Redick late in the season.
He was a decent defensive stopper for the Lakers at times, especially at the guard position, where they don’t have much else on that side of the ball.
Jake LaRavia should be able to come in and play solid defense on the perimeter, and Gabe Vincent can be good in spurts. But outside of Smart, the Lakers don’t have much more firepower in terms of guard defense.
Doncic and Reaves have never been great on that end of the floor, and outside of that, their best bets are likely Rui Hachimura and rookie Adou Thiero, both of whom are forwards.
So, when Smart is out, the Lakers could be in some trouble when it comes to defending guards.