Marcus Smart Feels Great Playing for the Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have needed leadership beyond their star player for a long while. With Smart on the roster, the Lakers have another vocal player who is not afraid of taking accountability. That should be a good example for the rest of the team ahead of the 2025-26 season.

When they see Smart play, they will know that his defense is arguably the best on the team. If he can also replicate his offensive production during his Boston Celtics days, the Lakers might have gotten a steal with Smart.

Smart is Excited to Play for the Lakers Moving Forward

Even if he is a former Celtic, Smart is happy he's getting the opportunity to play on a good team again. He was on a solid team with the Memphis Grizzlies, but they were ravaged by injuries during his time there. Even Smart himself was taken out due to the injuries.

His time with the Washington Wizards was much the same, as they were mostly focused on building towards the future. Now that Smart is with the Lakers, he could be the defensive leader they've needed. He can play alongside both Doncic and James, which is a huge positive.

It also looks like he is finally healthy, so Smart can be one of the Lakers' most reliable players. As long as he can maintain his level, the Lakers could have a motivated Smart who will change the game for the team.

"I felt great out there. That first game is always tough; you're trying to get your feet under you, figure things out, and get used to playing with your teammates. Got that game out of the way, felt really good. Today was a little more aggressive," Smart said after the preseason game against Sacramento.

"Mentally, I'm ready. You know, in the last two years, I've played like 60 games. For me, that was really tough. I just wanted to get back to a team and show what I can really do, and what I can bring to this historic franchise."

Smart Could Be the LA Lakers' X-Factor

With the Western Conference stacked with top teams like the Denver Nuggets and the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Lakers are in a tough spot. However, it is still promising because they are getting the right talents to surround Doncic and James.

The team needs hard-nosed defenders, so Smart was the right choice. They needed a center, so they picked up Ayton. It will be an adjustment for everyone, but JJ Redick is a good coach who can help the team succeed.

Smart is one of the most underrated pickups of the offseason, and he could become a difference-maker. If he can play the same way as he did in Boston, the Lakers could have the best player to fit alongside the stars.

Smart is ecstatic to play for a prestigious team again, which could be the key to motivating him again.