“I’m Gonna Fit Very Well”: Marcus Smart Embraces New Chapter With Los Angeles Lakers
Marcus Smart has officially joined the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year contract following his buyout from the Washington Wizards. The signing brings a defensive-minded veteran presence to a Lakers team anchored by Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves.
The Lakers entered the offseason seeking to bolster their perimeter defense after Dorian Finney-Smith departed in free agency. Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, fills that void if he can stay healthy—a point of emphasis after two injury-plagued seasons.
Smart said he feels confident in his physical condition heading into his 12th NBA season. He’s coming off a season playing 34 games, averaging 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 20.0 minutes per game—split between time with the Memphis Grizzlies and Wizards.
“My body is feeling in the high 90s,” Smart said. “I’m working, I’ve been putting in the work, and I feel good about where I’m at going into the season.”
Marcus Smart Feels Valued by JJ Redick, Luka Dončić
Head coach JJ Redick, who begins his second season on the sideline, gave Smart a straightforward message when they first connected.
“He told me to just be myself,” Smart said. “That meant a lot coming from him. He’s been around the game a long time. He knows who I am, and that gives me the confidence to come in here and do what I do best.”
Luka Dončić also played a direct role in recruiting Smart to Los Angeles, reaching out shortly after the buyout was finalized.
“That meant a lot,” Smart said. “When you’ve played against somebody like Luka for years and then he personally reaches out and wants you on his team—that’s big. That shows the respect is mutual.”
Having defended Dončić many times throughout his career, Smart expressed appreciation for no longer having to prepare for the challenge.
“Ah, man, he was a magician literally. The Luka Magic was real,” Smart said during an appearance on ESPN LA’s Sedano & Kap Show. “We would game plan for him, you would get yourself ready, you would go look at the film, and he would come up with something new or do something that you already knew was coming, and you still couldn’t stop it.”
“So to be on the other end of that is definitely a relief,” he added. “And I know that for me, all I gotta do is be able to do my part to help Luka and help this team.”
Rob Pelinka Praises Marcus Smart’s Fit and Leadership
Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka praised Smart’s addition, highlighting his on-court production and locker room impact.
“Adding a player like Marcus Smart to our roster allows us to compete at the highest level,” Pelinka said in a statement. “Marcus epitomizes what it means to prioritize winning above all else – whether that’s making huge plays on the defensive end or hitting critical shots in key moments of the most intense games.”
“He knows and understands playoff winning and will be a key leadership voice in our group,” Pelinka continued. “Surrounding our stars with two-way players like Marcus is critical to our overall vision of how we want to play and win next season. This is an exciting player acquisition, for sure.”
Smart also spoke with Spectrum SportsNet and shared his outlook on the upcoming opportunity in Los Angeles.
“Very well, very well,” Smart said of his fit with the Lakers. “I feel like what I bring, this team could use. And I think any team could use, but this team in particular. Because of the competitor that I am, and the competitive nature that this team is, I think I’m gonna fit very well.”
Despite no longer being in his prime, Smart believes he can still make a major impact.
“I’ve been through a lot the last couple years, but I’m ready,” he said. “This team has big goals, and I want to be a big part of making that happen.”
As the Lakers look to contend in a loaded Western Conference, Smart remains optimistic about their standing.
“We stack up with anybody,” Smart said. “We’ve got the stars, we’ve got the experience, and now it’s about putting it all together. I think the ceiling is whatever we make it.”
