Lakers 2025-2026 Player Review: Marcus Smart

LAKERS 2025-2026 PLAYER REVIEW: MARCUS SMART

It’s been almost three months since Marcus Smart joined the Lakers, and excitement around what he brings hasn’t faded. The former Defensive Player of the Year signed a two-year, $10.5 million deal with a player option, and he’s already making his presence felt in training camp, not just with his defense but with his voice. The Lakers didn’t just add another guard; they added an enforcer who embodies grit, accountability, and energy.

Smart’s game has always thrived on deflections, forcing players into uncomfortable spots, and altering shots. That intensity comes with wear and tear, and he’s currently managing Achilles tendinopathy, a mild overuse issue that shouldn’t raise alarms. Expect the Lakers to ramp him up gradually, with his lateral quickness improving as the season progresses.

DEFENSIVE VERSATILITY AND LEADERSHIP

Even with injury concerns, Smart’s defensive metrics stand out. He averaged 3.9 deflections per 36 minutes, ranking in the 93rd percentile league-wide. Standing 6’2” with a 6’9” wingspan, he’s vertically undersized but compensates with elite anticipation and reach.

Lakers fans shouldn’t expect 2019-level point-of-attack defense yet, especially after appearing in just 34 games for the Wizards last season. Still, Smart can guard multiple positions, particularly hybrid forwards and guard-forward tweeners.

Durability remains a concern—he’s played 65+ games only once in his career—but his EPM ranking (4th last season, 6th in 2024) proves his impact when healthy.

Austin Reaves on Smart: “The main thing is his communication and leadership … his attention to detail, how he can be a coach on the floor at times.”

Reaves said Smart guarded him some in practice today: “You feel the pressure and intensity he brings on the defensive end.”

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 7, 2025

FIXING THE LAKERS’ COMMUNICATION PROBLEM

One of the Lakers’ biggest issues last season was transition defense and communication. Too often, the defense fell apart after turnovers or bad shots. Smart changes that dynamic. He’s a vocal leader who brings accountability and energy on both ends, exactly what the team lacked consistently last season.

SMART’S OFFENSIVE ROLE UNDER JJ REDICK

Offensively, expect Smart to play the gadget role in JJ Redick’s system, spacing the floor alongside LeBron, Reaves, and Luka. He’s most efficient from the corners. While he can flash playmaking ability, he performs best when not handling the ball heavily.

Around the rim, Smart converted just 39 percent of his attempts, so his value will come from spacing, secondary creation, and defensive playmaking.

EXCITING DEFENSIVE COMBINATIONS

Defensively, the possibilities are thrilling. Lineups featuring Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Marcus Smart, Adou Thiero, and possibly Jake LaRavia could create chaos for opposing offenses—a mix of length, versatility, and relentless energy that fits Redick’s vision of disruptive, switch-heavy defense.

JJ Redick, Austin Reaves, and Jarred Vanderbilt are impressed with Marcus Smart. His intensity, communication, and defensive leadership could be a game-changer for the Lakers this season. pic.twitter.com/l9ENhnBKOS

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) October 9, 2025

STARTING LINEUP POSSIBILITIES

Some chatter suggests Smart could slide into Rui Hachimura’s starting small forward spot. For Smart, that role would focus on defense, given the Lakers’ modern, positionless approach that pairs pieces to open the floor for the primary ball handler.

The decision isn’t simple. Concerns about Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić’s backcourt defense could influence Redick’s approach. He recently downplayed starting lineup decisions in a presser, calling them “not that important.” Hachimura’s bench performance has been inconsistent; while he gives effort defensively, he sometimes loses assignments and struggles physically against stronger postseason opponents.

With Smart healthy, both options are viable. He could anchor defensive assignments while providing offensive flexibility. How Redick balances starters and bench production will be a key storyline this season.

Smart’s addition isn’t just about numbers. He brings tone, presence, and a mindset the Lakers desperately needed—one that can shift a game and set a standard for everyone on the court.