The Los Angeles Lakers signed Marcus Smart after Luka Doncic reached out to convince him, and the veteran guard instantly proved the superstar right in his first game back from injury. Doncic knew Smart was an impactful perimeter defender and leader his team desperately needed. The 31-year-old has significant injury questions, but it doesn’t take him long to impact the game when he is on the floor.
Los Angeles needed some stout point of attack defense against the Spurs in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals, so they turned to Smart. His strength, basketball IQ, and ability to guard multiple positions made an immediate impact. The Lakers fell behind early, but it was Smart swinging the game with his defense and surprising shot making. Los Angeles came up short, despite this positive development.
Smart made Luka’s life difficult early in his career, so Doncic knew firsthand what the former Defensive Player of the Year could do. Los Angeles desperately needs him to be a standout, and Smart immediately showed he is ready to take on that role.
Marcus Smart instantly proved Luka Doncic right
The Spurs were white hot in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals, but Smart prevented their guards from getting into the paint as he created a couple of turnovers. It was exactly what the Lakers needed.
Smart has the strength to defend forwards and perimeter chops to take on point guards. He is best against bigger players at this stage of his career, but the veteran is willing to switch onto any player. Smart wants to be on a contender and is willing to accept whatever role the Lakers need.
Nobody expected the veteran to play this well in his first game in over two weeks. Smart even sank eight 3-pointers and had 26 points on Wednesday night. He won’t have the ball with Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves on the Lakers roster. Smart's shooting woes are well-documented. He must improve as a spot-up shooter, but all of that can be forgiven if he stands out defensively.
LA’s issues were on full display against the Spurs. The Lakers lack speed, athleticism, and quickness. San Antonio’s youth and talented guard trio made things difficult for the purple and gold. Smart is the only one who helped slow down De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper.
Luka Doncic knew the Lakers needed Marcus Smart, and the superstar helped deliver him to Hollywood. The veteran guard wasn’t going to let his superstar down. Smart made an immediate impact after a two-week absence, and fans shouldn’t be surprised. He has the talent and will keep making plays defensively.
The Los Angeles Lakers need Marcus Smart to play stout defense and stop the elite guards in the Western Conference. He instantly proved capable against the Spurs in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals. It wasn’t enough for the Lakers to overcome San Antonio, but fans know Luka Doncic is right.
Smart will play a crucial role for the franchise, which makes his health even more important. The Lakers must do anything possible to keep him on the floor when the games matter most. It is easier said than done.