The Los Angeles Lakers made a high-value addition to their roster with the signing of Marcus Smart in free agency. Given that Luka Doncic’s recruitment efforts drove Smart’s arrival, NBA insider Marc Stein reported promising developments regarding the guard’s offseason conditioning efforts, showcasing his commitment to the team. He wrote:
“I’m likewise told that Smart (like Doncic) has been working hard on his body this summer. Conditioning was an undeniable issue for Smart last season, but the Lakers were convinced during their pursuit that they will see a sleeker version of the 2021-22 DPOY.”
In the 2021-22 campaign, Smart was a different beast altogether. His DPOY performance was marked by his unyielding tenacity and relentless hustle. This was only made possible by superior physical and mental conditioning.
Last season, the guard struggled with injuries, having played in only 34 games throughout the season. After being traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Washington Wizards, the guard saw a significant dip in playing time, which impacted his ability to contribute.
Last season was probably one of Smart’s least productive ones in the stats department. With averages of 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, the former DPOY couldn’t establish himself as a key rotation player.
Statistically, Marcus Smart posted some of his best numbers during his first season with the Grizzlies. He averaged 14.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. While this is an improvement over his DPOY season, it holds less weight, given his limited impact on the team that season.
The 31-year-old isn’t known for his ability to stuff the stat sheet. His performances aren’t dictated by the numbers. It is the emphasis on the hustle, the intangibles, and the communication that has always made Smart one of the best defensive guards in the league. With the focus on offseason conditioning, he has earned the Lakers’ confidence.
The upcoming campaign should be an intriguing opportunity for the Lakers. Having acquired the guard on a two-year, $11 million deal, the Purple and Gold have created a fairly competitive roster, especially considering their other offseason roster moves.
Doncic‘s apparent improvement in physical condition ahead of EuroBasket has also been encouraging. Although it doesn’t imply an uptick in his defensive efforts, the Lakers have managed to secure a contingency plan to prevent major defensive lapses.
Smart’s signing has already influenced the team’s roster decisions. Having waived Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin to create cap space and a roster spot to acquire Smart, the Lakers are still in a position to make additional trades.
With reports suggesting that Dalton Knecht and Maxi Kleber could be on the trading block, the Purple and Gold are expected to facilitate a move to add additional reinforcements to their roster.
