Losing Marcus Smart left a dangerous vulnerability in the Lakers' roster

Following late-season injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers played with an all-new starting five in last season's playoffs. After undergoing a drastic roster makeover this summer, none of those five remain. 

Marcus Smart's departure was rough. 

In a recent interview with the Houston Chronicle's Varun Shankar, Smart suggested the Lakers' free agent offer was disrespectful. Whatever Los Angeles offered was well below what the veteran felt he deserved after last season's production. 

Marcus Smart's departure leaves the Lakers vulnerable on the perimeter

Smart agreed to a two-year, $12.4 million deal to join the Houston Rockets. That the Lakers weren't willing to meet such an asking price is somewhat confounding, given the club's deep pockets, available room under the salary cap, and the need to prioritize their perimeter defense. 

Smart was the Lakers' most reliable stopper last season, leaving the team vulnerable on the defensive end now that he's left for Houston. None of the new players L.A. brought in this offseason are known for being hard-nosed defenders like the wily veteran and former Defensive Player of the Year Award winner. 

The season hasn't yet begun, but this one move already looks like a mistake on the Lakers' part.