Lakers Newcomer Marcus Smart: ‘We Stack Up There With The Best Of Them’

NBA veteran Marcus Smart is betting on a new beginning in Los Angeles.

After two injury-plagued seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, the former Defensive Player of the Year has signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers, who used their biannual exception to bring him aboard. Smart was traded to the Washington Wizards late last season and agreed to a buyout before landing in L.A.

Since being dealt by the Boston Celtics two years ago, Smart has appeared in just 54 of a possible 164 games. He called the past two seasons a “disappointment” and said he’s determined to get back to being the player he once was.

“I’m very motivated,” Smart told reporters Tuesday. “Injuries kind of held me back. But everything happens for a reason.”

The Lakers believe he still has plenty left, and Smart said he feels the same way. He’s energized by joining a team that he thinks can contend right away and said Luka Doncic played a major role in his decision.

“When you get a guy like Luka checking on you, trying to see if you want to come join something special, that meant a lot,” Smart said.

Doncic and Austin Reaves are expected to start in the Lakers’ backcourt, with Smart offering veteran depth, toughness, and defensive leadership. The Lakers needed a proven perimeter stopper and saw an opportunity to add one without giving up assets.

Smart, drafted sixth overall by Boston in 2014, actually worked out for the Lakers that year. They took Julius Randle with the next pick.

“Twelve years ago, I could have been here,” Smart said. “Now it’s full circle.”

Now 30, Smart says he’s focused on one thing, and that is winning a championship.

“I think we stack right up there with the best of them,” he said. “Our ceiling is high. If we all lock in and come and do what we’re supposed to do, we can have a real good shot at it.”