In a surprising twist to a wild NBA offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers have signed veteran guard Marcus Smart after his buyout from the Washington Wizards. For a team searching for defensive identity and veteran toughness, this could be one of the most underrated yet impactful signings of the summer, especially when you consider how well Smart complements two of the game’s brightest stars: Luka Dončić and LeBron James.

Defensive Grit Meets Star Power

Let’s start with the obvious: Marcus Smart is one of the best point-of-attack defenders of this generation. A former Defensive Player of the Year, he brings a tenacity and edge that the Lakers sorely lacked last season. Opposing guards too often had their way against L.A., but Smart changes that overnight, if he can stay healthy.

Yes, injuries have been a concern over the past two seasons. But if the Lakers can manage his minutes and keep him fresh, Smart’s presence on the perimeter could be the glue that holds together the team’s title hopes. Think of the impact Jrue Holiday had on the Celtics last year, now imagine that same level of intensity in purple and gold.

A Perfect Backcourt Fit with Luka

Pairing Smart with Luka Dončić is a chess move. Luka is an offensive wizard who thrives when he doesn’t have to expend energy guarding elite scorers. Enter Smart, a player who can take on the toughest defensive assignments while also making life easier for Luka on offense by handling secondary playmaking duties.

Smart isn’t just a defender, he’s a proven leader, clutch shot-maker, and someone who knows how to elevate stars. His experience playing with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in Boston showed that he can thrive alongside alpha scorers, and he’ll play a similar role here next to Luka and LeBron.

The Mentor Bronny James Needs

Beyond the win-now impact, Smart could have long-term influence on one of the Lakers’ most intriguing young players: Bronny James.

In many ways, Bronny’s projected ceiling resembles Marcus Smart’s career arc, a defensive menace, high IQ guard, and glue-guy who can swing playoff games by doing the little things. For Bronny, there may be no better role model in the league than Smart.

Smart can help Bronny learn how to anticipate plays, move his feet without fouling, and become a vocal leader on defense. But perhaps even more important: Smart can help him refine the parts of his game that still need work, passing vision and three-point consistency. Those are the exact areas that allowed Smart to carve out a long NBA career, and Bronny would do well to follow that blueprint.

Final Thoughts

This signing might not generate the same buzz as a blockbuster trade, but make no mistake: Marcus Smart to the Lakers could be one of the most pivotal moves of the offseason. If he stays healthy, he checks every box this roster needs, defense, toughness, leadership, and mentorship.

Smart gives the Lakers a defensive backbone, a backcourt partner for Luka, and a mentor for the future.

Sometimes, it’s not about adding more flash, it’s about adding more fight. And that’s exactly what Marcus Smart brings to L.A.