Marcus Smart (Image Credits: Imagn)

Marcus Smart Opens Up on His Leadership Role in the Lakers Locker Room

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Kenny Nosay | Last updated Mar 26, 2026 2:03 AM ET

Marcus Smart has slowly established himself as a vital cog for the Los Angeles Lakers. Brought in to come off the bench and play tough defense, his recent play had him inserted into the starting lineup by JJ Redick.

How important is the 32-year-old for LA? When the team fell short against the Detroit Pistons, Redick lamented that they missed Smart’s presence on the floor. Despite standing at just 6-foot-3, Smart has often been tasked with defending the best player from opposing teams. And he’s becoming a vocal leader too, especially inside LA’s locker room.

“LeBron [James] and Luka [Doncic] don’t really talk as much, they be locked in. Deandre Ayton’s my guy, he’s kind of all over the place, so I regulate that and make sure everyone else is good,” Marcus Smart said.

Marcus Smart says he takes pride in being a locker room leader for the Lakers:

“LeBron and Luka don’t really talk as much, they be locked in. Deandre Ayton’s my guy, he’s kind of all over the place, so I regulate that and make sure everyone else is good.”

(h/t @LALMuse) pic.twitter.com/VlCxoOkuUu
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 25, 2026

The Lakers’ recent surge is often attributed to Luka Doncic, but Smart is one of the key guys who made it all possible. While his numbers won’t immediately pop up, it’s the little things he does on the court that stand out. After all, he’s one of the shortest guys who ever won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

Marcus Smart’s Unlikely Path As A Laker Starter

Not much was expected from Smart when he signed with the Lakers in 2025 on a two-year, 11 million deal. He was brought in after a tumultuous stint with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Washington Wizards last year.

Marcus Smart (Image Credits: Imagn)

Slowly but surely, the veteran guard jelled with the team’s starters, and JJ Redick started to trust him more, giving him a longer leash on the court. In 60 games so far this season, Marcus Smart has started 53 games – mostly at the small forward spot.

Safe to say that the 11 million dollar gamble is paying off big time for the Los Angeles Lakers.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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