When Marcus Smart joined the Lakers, the hope was that he could remain healthy and become a defensive anchor for this team. After seasons with the Grizzlies and Wizards, he could come to Los Angeles and play better basketball at higher stakes.
Well, he’s done all that and more for the Lakers. He’s been a certified starter, played 62 games for the team and is now a big reason why LA is up 2-0 against Houston in the opening round.
Smart hasn’t just been along for the ride, he’s been driving the Lakers’
car on the path towards another Larry O’Brien trophy.
In Game 2, his defensive aggression disrupted Kevin Durant, forcing him to turn the ball over nine times. Smart was also a certified bucket, scoring 25 points, including five 3-pointers.
After the win, Smart reflected on his NBA journey and relished the fact that he is once again playing games that matter on basketball’s biggest stage.
“I’m very grateful to be doing this,” Smart said. “I thank God every day because I could have been out the league, right? Injuries and things like that. So to be able to be back on this stage making the plays that I’m making with these guys, with this team, this organization, I’m just grateful.”
Smart’s injury history and dip in play in recent years were certainly a reason why he didn’t have as many suitors as a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year typically would have. However, the Lakers believed in his talent and he’s now playing at an elite level.
This might surprise people around the NBA, but it’s not shocking to LeBron James. He’s played against Smart a ton back when he was a Celtic, and James played for the Cavaliers. That amount of court time together, even on opposing sides, let James know how good and impactful Smart can be.
“I mean, he’s battle-tested,” LeBron said. “The guy’s been to the Finals. He’s been in multiple playoff games, big games, in his career. Obviously, he’s not afraid of the moment and he’s always been assigned with some of the best players that’s ever played the game. To have someone like that, it brings a lot of composure to our team as well.”
Smart’s not just a winning player and a vocal leader, he’s been one of the best players during this postseason. He’s averaging three steals per game, which is the third most in the postseason, and along with his scoring in Game 2, his passing was also off the charts.
Smart tied for a team-high seven assists, and his last one led to a dunk from LeBron that put an exclamation point on the victory.
Adding Smart to this team has been an incredible move by the Lakers’ front office. It’s why the Lakers have survived without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves and are in a prime position to advance to the second round for the first time since 2023.
Smart’s redemption arc has been a joy for Lakers fans to watch, and if he keeps this up, it’s raising the ceiling of just how far this team can go.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
