The Los Angeles Lakers are keeping expectations sky-high heading into the upcoming NBA season after a successful offseason that bolstered their roster around superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Much of the buzz has centered around Doncic’s dramatic physical transformation, which has only raised the stakes for a championship push.
One of the Lakers’ most notable summer acquisitions is Marcus Smart, who joined the team in free agency as part of their bid to capture an 18th NBA title. The veteran guard brings postseason experience and defensive grit to a team built around star power. Smart recently addressed in the official YouTube channel of the Lakers, what fans can expect from him in Los Angeles.
“You can expect a lot of energy,” Smart said. “You can expect a lot of passion, and you can expect me to leave everything I have on the court for you guys.” If there’s one word that defines Smart’s career, it’s hustle. He has earned that label with relentless effort and is a three-time recipient of the NBA Hustle Award — the only multi-time winner in league history.
Smart also remains a formidable defender, having won Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2022. The Lakers desperately needed perimeter defense last season, and Smart is expected to help shore up that area—provided he stays healthy.
In 2024–25, Smart averaged 9 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game in limited action with the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards. Injuries limited him to just 34 games, raising long-term concerns. That followed a 2023–24 campaign in which he played only 20 games.
Still, reports indicate Smart is focusing on improving his conditioning this offseason, and the Lakers believe they’ll get a leaner, more durable version of the 31-year-old. General manager Rob Pelinka praised the acquisition, calling Smart a “championship-level difference maker.”
“Adding a player like Marcus Smart to our roster allows us to compete at the highest level,” Pelinka said. “Marcus epitomizes what it means to prioritize winning above all else—whether that’s making huge plays on the defensive end or hitting critical shots in key moments of the most intense games. He understands playoff basketball and will be a key leadership voice in our locker room.”
Having a proven defender like Smart in the backcourt alongside Doncic gives the Lakers a promising two-way pairing. Reports suggest Doncic played a central role in recruiting Smart to Los Angeles. Now the focus shifts to how this new tandem performs once the season tips off.