An offseason signing that was expected to pay dividends for the Los Angeles Lakers was veteran guard Marcus Smart and he has already showcased positive signs on the defensive end. Along with being a vocal leader, Smart commands the attention of his teammates as a former Defensive Player of the Year.
On the young season, Smart is averaging 10.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.8 rebounds on 40.5% from the field and 30.6% from 3-point range. His offensive production is a bit of a concern, but there have been flashes of becoming a more consistent shooter in recent weeks.
With L.A. currently on a three-game losing streak, the 31-year-old is expected to step into the starting lineup with Austin Reaves missing more time with a calf injury. To have a veteran guard to slot into that role is helpful and LeBron James is happy to have Smart on the Lakers following their previous battles in the Eastern Conference, via Marc J. Spears of Andscape:
“We know the matchups that I had with Marcus over the years, especially when we were in the Eastern Conference — him in Boston, me in Cleveland — and all those matchups that we had,” James said. “Happy to have him. I know what he brings to the game. I know that team is first, second, third, fourth, fifth when it comes to Marcus Smart.”
Receiving praise from James is a sign of respect and having a role player who can play alongside stars is valuable as Smart is willing to do the dirty work that others aren’t.
Head coach JJ Redick is currently searching for answers to the team’s defensive woes and the former Boston Celtics guard is a logical potential solution. Granted, those Boston days are far removed, but Smart is someone who still lays his body on the line for his team.
He plays physical and displays a willingness to muck up the game, along with taking charges. Redick enjoys players who play with energy and effort, which exemplifies the first-year Laker.
Marcus Smart: Lakers need to fix defense before it’s too late
Vibes were high for the Lakers following their strong start to the regular season. Now, however, those good times are dissipating as they are on a three-game losing streak with each being a blowout.
A common theme was the team’s defense, as there has been no sense of urgency to pick up the slack. Smart, as someone who takes pride on the defensive end, recently acknowledged that they have to fix their ways before it’s too late.
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