OFFICIAL: Marcus Smart Is a Laker, Bringing Defensive Tenacity, Championship Grit, and Veteran Leadership to Los Angeles Backcourt Rotation
The Los Angeles Lakers have officially added a major piece to their roster, announcing the acquisition of veteran guard Marcus Smart. Known for his elite defense, high basketball IQ, and relentless intensity, Smart joins the Lakers in a move that signals a serious push for immediate title contention. The former Boston Celtics stalwart now brings his grit to Hollywood, where the Lakers aim to reshape their identity under head coach JJ Redick.
A Game-Changing Addition
Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year and longtime emotional leader of the Celtics, arrives in Los Angeles with an established reputation. For nearly a decade in Boston, he was the heart and soul of the team — a glue guy whose impact extended well beyond the box score.
At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Smart is known for guarding positions one through three and often switching onto bigger players without hesitation. He’s physical, fearless, and intelligent — qualities the Lakers sorely lacked last season, particularly in perimeter defense and fourth-quarter poise.
Smart averaged 14.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game during his final full season in Boston. His offensive production may not grab headlines like LeBron James or Anthony Davis, but his impact is felt everywhere else: timely steals, key assists, leadership during chaos, and the toughness that championship teams need in crunch time.
The Lakers’ Vision
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka has long emphasized building a team around defense and versatility — and Marcus Smart fits that mold perfectly. After a turbulent 2024 season that saw the Lakers exit in the first round of the playoffs and struggle with consistency, adding Smart is a move designed to address those very weaknesses.
“Marcus embodies everything we’re trying to establish,” Pelinka said in a team statement. “He’s a proven winner, a leader in the locker room, and an elite defender. We believe he’ll elevate our group immediately.”
Head coach JJ Redick echoed the sentiment, calling Smart “a culture-setter.”
“Smart competes every night, holds everyone accountable, and knows what it takes to win at the highest level,” Redick said. “That’s exactly the kind of voice and presence we want in our locker room.”
Why the Move Makes Sense
The Lakers lacked a true defensive stopper on the perimeter in 2024. With aging stars like LeBron and AD needing more rest throughout the regular season, Los Angeles needed someone to shoulder the responsibility of guarding the opponent’s best perimeter scorer. Smart does that better than almost anyone in the league.
His ability to initiate the offense and relieve pressure from other ball-handlers is another key factor. D’Angelo Russell’s inconsistency and defensive liabilities were glaring last season. Smart offers an upgrade in both areas — he’s a better on-ball defender and a more natural leader.
In addition, his postseason experience is invaluable. Smart has played in multiple Eastern Conference Finals and was a key figure in Boston’s run to the 2022 NBA Finals. His playoff pedigree is expected to help younger Lakers like Austin Reaves and Jalen Hood-Schifino develop faster under high-pressure conditions.
The Fit With LeBron and AD
LeBron James is entering Year 22 of his storied career, and every move the Lakers make now is designed to maximize what could be the final seasons of his playing days. Marcus Smart helps LeBron by reducing his workload on both ends of the floor. Smart can run the offense when needed, guard opposing guards and wings, and even call out rotations defensively — something that takes pressure off the 39-year-old future Hall of Famer.
Anthony Davis, meanwhile, should benefit from Smart’s presence on the perimeter. Too often, Davis was left to clean up defensive breakdowns last season. Smart’s ability to keep ball-handlers in front of him and execute switches will reduce the number of times Davis is forced into emergency rim protection.
The trio of Smart, LeBron, and AD gives the Lakers one of the most balanced defensive lineups in the league, and it’s easy to envision them closing tight playoff games together.
Reaction Around the League
The move caught the NBA world by surprise, especially given Smart’s strong identity as a Celtic. While he had a brief stint with the Grizzlies following a previous trade, many fans and analysts still viewed him as synonymous with Boston.
Still, the reaction was largely positive for the Lakers.
“This is the kind of guy you want next to LeBron and AD,” ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins said. “He’s a dog. The Lakers just got tougher.”
Bill Simmons, a longtime Celtics fan, admitted that seeing Smart in purple and gold would be “emotional,” but acknowledged the fit made basketball sense.
“He’s everything the Lakers were missing last year. It’s a smart — pun intended — move.”
Smart’s Own Words
In his introductory press conference, Marcus Smart didn’t shy away from the emotional weight of joining the Lakers.
“I’ll always have love for Boston, but I’m here now, and I’m all-in,” Smart said. “The Lakers are about championships. That’s what I’m about. Let’s go win one.”
Smart also said that playing alongside LeBron and AD was “an opportunity you don’t turn down.”
“These guys are legends. I’ve competed against them for years. Now I get to battle with them.”
When asked about wearing a Lakers jersey after so many battles against them in Celtics green, Smart grinned.
“It’s wild, man. But that’s this league. I’m excited for this next chapter. I’m coming to bring that fire.”
What Comes Next for L.A.
The Lakers aren’t done building. Reports suggest they are still looking to add shooting depth and a backup big to round out the roster. But the addition of Marcus Smart gives them flexibility and a significant edge in locker room leadership.
Austin Reaves is expected to thrive playing alongside Smart, with both guards capable of handling the ball and making plays. Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt should also benefit from the added defensive toughness Smart brings, as they’ll be able to focus on their own strengths without covering for backcourt breakdowns.
Look for Smart to immediately take on a leadership role — especially when LeBron inevitably sits out games during the regular season. His voice, intensity, and knowledge of defensive schemes will set the tone.
Marcus Smart to the Lakers might not have the glamour of a superstar signing, but it could be one of the most important acquisitions of the offseason. The Lakers now have a proven winner who brings edge, accountability, and championship experience.
If Los Angeles makes a deep playoff run in 2025, don’t be surprised if Smart’s fingerprints are all over it — from a clutch defensive stop to a fiery halftime speech that shifts a game’s momentum.
The Lakers didn’t just add a player. They added a leader. And in the NBA, that often makes all the difference.
