NBA: Lakers’ big defensive coup, Marcus Smart arrives

After Damian Lillard (returned to Portland) and Bradley Beal, a new player for the LA Clippers, it is the turn of Marcus Smart. The 1994-class guard, who came out of his contract with the Washington Wizards thanks to a buyout, has agreed with the Los Angeles Lakers.

For the yellowviola, a truly remarkable coup. Marcus Smart was Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and, for three seasons, was All-Defense first-team NBA. Luka Doncic apparently made a personal move to make it clear how important it would be for the franchise to have the’former Boston Celtics.

Marcus Smart, back from two decidedly mediocre seasons in the jackets of first Memphis and then Washington (also accomplice to some physical problems), has agreed with the Los Angeles Lakers on the basis of a two-year contract at $11 million total.

Also sought by Milwaukee and Phoenix, he chose the Lakers with whom he will attempt to win his first NBA ring. It should be remembered, in fact, that Marcus Smart left Boston in the very season in which the green-and-whites won the NBA title. It will be guard Shake Milton who will give way on the yellow-and-violet roster to new defensive wildcard Marcus Smart. Thanks to this new addition, the Los Angeles Lakers now look decidedly more structured ahead of next season.