Marcus Smart, long known for his gritty defense and fearless attitude, is now officially a Los Angeles Laker. His arrival isn’t just another free agency signing—it’s a move driven heavily by both team needs and some surprising behind-the-scenes recruiting. In July 2025, Smart inked a two-year, $11 million contract fresh off a buyout deal with the Washington Wizards. The journey to LA was anything but straightforward. At first, Smart weighed a possible deal with the Phoenix Suns. But Luka Dončić, now a centerpiece for the Lakers, convinced him otherwise.
Dončić’s recruiting pitch focused on one thing: defense. The Lakers' perimeter had started to look shaky, especially after Dorian Finney-Smith headed to the Houston Rockets. Smart’s Defensive Player of the Year award and three consecutive All-Defense selections spoke for themselves. Dončić, hungry for a teammate willing to set the tone physically and take tough defensive assignments, sealed the deal. This move forced the Lakers to cut guards Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin, freeing up the necessary salary to land Smart.
The Lakers’ new front office, head coach JJ Redick, and a roster loaded with star power—including Dončić and, of course, LeBron James—raises expectations sky-high. During his first press conference, Smart didn’t sugarcoat what comes next. He openly admitted that joining one of the NBA's most scrutinized franchises means bracing for intense criticism—"I'm expecting a lot of hate," he said. That’s a rare kind of honesty. Instead of playing it safe, Smart owned up to the pressure while promising to deliver what this revamped Lakers squad is missing: defensive grit, vocal leadership, and a willingness to put his body on the line when it counts.
Smart’s reputation as a physical presence isn’t just media hype. Over 108 career playoff games, he’s made a name for himself by taking charges, going for loose balls, and never shying away from contact. He emphasized those same traits are exactly what the Lakers have been lacking. Neither Dončić nor LeBron favors the ugly work under the rim—Smart’s here to cover that gap. The team is betting that his ability to defend the league’s toughest guards can balance their more offensive-focused stars.
With JJ Redick at the helm, Smart’s willingness to speak plainly about expectations—both internal and external—signals a potential culture shift for the Lakers. Instead of shying away from the microscope, he’s staring right into it. Whether that approach pays off depends on how quickly Smart integrates with Dončić, LeBron, and the rest of this star-studded lineup.
The Lakers aren’t just chasing wins—they’re looking for an identity that matches LA’s reputation. Smart’s arrival could be the spark they need, or at the very least, it gives fans and critics something real to talk about as the pressure of the new season builds.
