Lakers Eye Marcus Smart – A Costly Yet Calculated Gamble for Defensive Excellence
As the Los Angeles Lakers continue to chase their championship window around the dynamic duo of LeBron James and Luka Dončić, the franchise finds itself at a crossroads. Their glaring defensive vulnerabilities — ranking near the bottom of the league in defensive rating — have prompted urgent discussions. At the center of those discussions: acquiring the former Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) and current Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart. But bringing Smart to L.A. won’t be cheap—and the Lakers may have to part with serious assets, potentially including a “third star”.
Why Marcus Smart?
Elite perimeter defender
Smart won the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, recognized for his tenacity, anticipation, and ability to lock down key matchups . In today’s NBA, where defense on opposing ball-handlers can disrupt elite backcourts, Smart’s presence could fundamentally transform the Lakers’ approach.
Perfect fit alongside Luka
Luka Dončić, despite his brilliance, is often criticized for lapses on the defensive end. Smart’s defensive IQ and willingness to guard top guards could free Luka to conserve energy for playmaking and scoring, while Smart handles the duty of disrupting opposing offenses .
High character and momentum
A former Celtics fan-favorite, Smart brings grit and leadership—qualities the Lakers covet. His shift to Memphis and recent stint with Washington have only sharpened his edge on the court .
The Price Tag: “Third Star” Inclusion Likely
According to insiders, Memphis acquired Smart just months ago—surrendering two first-round picks in the process (sportingnews.com). For the Lakers to pry him loose, Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer notes that LA would need to match that level of value—meaning at least two first-rounders or equivalent assets.
A likely framework:
- Lakers receive: Marcus Smart (and possibly his $20.2 M contract for 2025–26) (sportingnews.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com, si.com).
- Grizzlies get: D’Angelo Russell (expiring contract), Jalen Hood‑Schifino, potentially draft picks—likely including two first-rounders (sportingnews.com).
This potentially means a “third star” player—Russell or another veteran—and valuable draft capital heading to Memphis. It’s a hefty haul, and the Lakers would need to tread carefully to avoid gutting future flexibility.
✅ Upside vs. Downside: A Breakdown
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Defensive turnaround – Smart brings next-level perimeter defense (sportingnews.com, sportingnews.com) | Pricey cost – Multiple picks + key rotational player(s) out |
| Synergy with Luka – Allows Luka to stay fresh on offense | Aging roster – Added salaries complicate future roster moves |
| Playoff readiness – DPOY pedigree ideal for postseason play | Risk of injury/inconsistency – Smart’s health remains a question |
️ What the Experts Say
Veteran NBA insiders and outlets like Sporting News have repeatedly highlighted Smart as an ideal Lakers target, noting both his defensive value and fit in L.A. . Jake Fischer explicitly stated that Memphis will demand “that type of pick capital” to part with Smart (sportingnews.com).
Meanwhile, other trade ideas flirt with bigger names like Ja Morant or Jaren Jackson Jr. — but for now, Smart remains the most realistically attainable Defensive Player of the Year talent who fits the Lakers’ timeline (bballrumors.com).
The Final Word
The Lakers’ front office is at a pivotal juncture. They can:
- Stay the course – Re-sign role players and hope internal improvements boost defense.
- Trade for Smart – Prioritize win-now by sacrificing draft capital and rotation depth for elite defense.
- Go bigger – Attempt to land a more prominent star like Ja Morant or Jaren Jackson Jr., but at significantly higher cost.
If LA believes this is LeBron’s last true shot at another title and that Luka’s prime aligns perfectly, sacrificing a third star’s contract and multiple first-round picks for Marcus Smart aligns with a “now or never” mindset.
In Conclusion
- What’s at stake: A transformation of the Lakers’ defensive identity at the cost of future flexibility.
- What makes Smart attractive: He’s proven, fit-for-purpose, and brings the locker-room energy the Lakers need (sportingnews.com, en.wikipedia.org, bballrumors.com).
- What stands in the way: Memphis will demand top-dollar: at least two first-round picks and a significant player in return .
Is it worth it? For Los Angeles, the choice is clear—upgrade defense now, or risk being left behind in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. And if there’s one thing Lakers fans have learned, it’s that championship windows don’t stay open for long.
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com
