Marcus Smart showcased his competitive spirit and defensive prowess in a solid performance for the Los Angeles Lakers, providing a much-needed boost as the team wraps up the preseason. After a lackluster debut without scoring, Smart rebounded impressively with 14 points on 5-of-11 shooting, alongside four steals, three rebounds, and two assists in just 23 minutes during a tight 117–116 loss to the Sacramento Kings.
This vintage display from the 31-year-old guard highlighted his grit and ability to energize a Lakers squad that is adapting to the absence of LeBron James. Lakers’ head coach JJ Redick praised Smart’s performance, noting his growing comfort and rhythm on the court. Redick emphasized the significance of Smart’s aggressive drives and active defensive presence, which were instrumental to the team’s dynamics.
In his previous game against the Phoenix Suns, Smart struggled, finishing scoreless with a single assist in 20 minutes of play. However, after shaking off the rust, he expressed his growing confidence and aggressiveness as the regular season approaches. “Each day, I’m constantly ramping it up… I felt great out there, and we’re going to continue to get better,” he stated, indicating optimism for his performance moving forward.
The resurgence of Smart is particularly noteworthy as he ended the last two seasons plagued by injuries, limiting him to just 54 games. Recruited by Luka Dončić during the offseason, Smart is eager to demonstrate his capabilities on a championship-caliber team. He conveyed his readiness to contribute to the historic franchise and is focused on elevating his game.
Smart, who noted the importance of defensive identity for the Lakers, sees himself helping to set the tone alongside teammates Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt. Their versatility in guarding multiple positions adds a layer of depth to the team’s defense, particularly during LeBron James’ recovery from a sciatic nerve issue. “Once we get our chemistry… you’ll see a lot more physicality from the whole team,” Smart asserted, highlighting the anticipation of what this trio can achieve together.
As the Lakers prepare to kick off the regular season against the Golden State Warriors, Marcus Smart’s renewed energy and skill on both ends of the court look promising for the team’s future. With his determination and leadership, fans can remain hopeful that the Lakers will build on this momentum and make a strong impact this season.