The Los Angeles Lakers are riding high on a six-game winning streak, capped by a 108-102 victory over the LA Clippers on Sunday night. With a 38-21 record, they’ve climbed to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Their recent success has been fueled by a dominant defense, boasting a league-best 104.5 defensive rating over the last six games. Offensively, the duo of Luka Doncic and LeBron James continues to shine. But as the Lakers look to solidify their championship aspirations, rumors are swirling about a potential offseason move to bolster their defensive unit further.
The Los Angeles Lakers might be considåering a trade for Marcus Smart, the former Defensive Player of the Year and ex-Celtics guard currently with the Washington Wizards. Smart, a three-time All-Defensive Team selection, has long been regarded as one of the league’s premier defensive guards. Despite a rocky few seasons marred by injuries and team changes, his defensive prowess remains undeniable.
Marcus Smart’s career highlights include leading the Boston Celtics to the 2022 NBA Finals, where they fell to the Golden State Warriors in six games. After stints with the Memphis Grizzlies and now the Wizards, Marcus Smart has shown flashes of his old self, averaging 9.3 points and 1.5 steals in his first four games with Washington while shooting an efficient 55.6% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic (Image via Getty)
For the Los Angeles Lakers, acquiring Smart could address a critical need. While Luka Doncic is an offensive juggernaut, his defensive limitations are well-documented. Marcus Smart’s ability to guard elite perimeter players would allow Doncic to focus more on offense, conserving energy for his scoring and playmaking duties. Despite losing a step due to injuries, Smart has maintained a solid 114 defensive rating and 0.4 defensive box plus-minus this season, proving he can still contribute at a high level.
To facilitate the trade, the Lakers might offer Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and draft capital to the Wizards. Such a move would not only strengthen their backcourt but also position them as a top-five defensive team heading into the 2025-26 season.
Also read: NBA Offseason Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers might sign 8x All-Star and NBA Champion; possible reunion with Luka Doncic?
As the Los Angeles Lakers continue their push for another championship, adding a proven defensive stalwart like Marcus Smart could be the missing piece to complement their star-studded roster.
