The Los Angeles Lakers adding Marcus Smart definitely helps. But let’s not confuse a band-aid with actual healing.
The Lakers have a defensive problem, and it is not the kind that goes away after just one move. For two seasons now, they have pretty much lacked a real point-of-attack defender.
Someone who can take the toughest backcourt matchup every night, survive switches, and hold the line against the NBA’s best guards. Smart fits that mold, in theory. But in practice, there is a chance he is not built to carry that burden anymore, at least not alone.
The writing is on the wall for Marcus Smart
Smart played just 34 games last season across two teams. Two years ago he only played 20. He is now 31 years old, coming off multiple lower-body injuries, and has not looked like his Boston self since the 2022 Finals run.
He can still impact games, no question. But asking him to be the Lakers’ primary defensive option on the perimeter? That is not a strategy. That is like praying for a successful Hail Mary.
Right now, the Lakers are relying on patched-together solutions. Sure, Smart adds toughness, but the rest of the guards on the team are not necessarily the best defenders.
Austin Reaves competes at a high level and scores the ball in a variety of different ways, but he struggles to keep his defensive assignments in check. Gabe Vincent was nearly unplayable at times last season, plus the acquisition of Smart probably already means he is headed for the exit.
Even if Vincent ends up staying put on the roster, both of those guys are not lockdown defenders. None of them are going to hold up when the lights get bright and the playoff guard matchups get brutal. It just is what it is.
Lakers could take a wild swing on Ben Simmons
The Lakers still have time to address this issue. Ben Simmons remains unsigned. Yes, there is risk with him too, but Simmons still can give the Lakers the kind of switchable, ball-hawking defender they do not currently have.
He does not need touches. He does not need to shoot. He just needs to defend, and there is no kidding that he has done that at an elite level in the past. On a short-term deal, he’s the kind of upside swing a contender can afford to take.
Lakers could look to trade for a defensive specialist
If not Simmons, then they take a look at the trade market. Dalton Knecht has been a name that has been rumoured to be dealt. Maybe the Lakers can package him for a specialist like Matisse Thybulle.
Swing bigger, and maybe there is a scenario where someone like Jrue Holiday becomes available. That is highly unlikely, but the point here is there are some pretty good defensive names out there that you would not need to break the bank to acquire.
The Lakers are getting closer to what they need to be. Smart brings needed edge. But pretending this roster is now equipped to handle elite perimeter talent with him alone is just wishful thinking.