Lakers Sign Marcus Smart Strengthening Defense, Guard Options

The Los Angeles Lakers have actively reshaped their roster for the 2025-26 NBA season, highlighted by signing Marcus Smart on a two-year contract to address critical defensive needs and add roster flexibility. Smart, considered one of the best perimeter defenders on the team, was recruited to Los Angeles by Luka Doncic and is expected to guard the opposition's best perimeter players while improving his offensive contributions alongside stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic. The Lakers are also exploring potential trades to reunite Smart with former Boston Celtics teammate Robert Williams III, aiming to bolster their backup center position despite injury concerns surrounding Williams. While Smart has expressed excitement about playing alongside LeBron, he has yet to have direct contact with the Lakers' star, acknowledging LeBron's busy schedule. These moves aim to overcome the Lakers' previous season struggles with bench scoring and limited trade options, leveraging Smart's signing to create positional battles and trade assets, especially involving expiring contracts like Gabe Vincent's. Overall, the Lakers are building a more complete and flexible roster to support their championship aspirations.