Wizards May Transfer Marcus Smart to Lakers, However For Whom?

Marcus Smart‘s time with the Washington Wizards is nothing wanting disastrous. He recorded a cut up stats with the Wiz and the Memphis Grizzlies with 9.0 factors, 2.1 rebounds, and three.2 assists per sport on 39.3% subject capturing and 34.8% from past the arc.

In this situation, it is higher to maneuver the defensive guard to a different crew. One NBA professional thinks he can be higher suited to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Marcus Smart to Lakers

In a commerce proposal from Jedd Pagaduan of ClutchPoints, the Lakers would purchase Smart from the Washington Wizards in alternate for Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and a 2032 second-round choose.

Although solely a proposal at this level, the commerce could possibly be possible for each groups, notably for the Lakers, who’re in search of a deeper 2026 playoff push.

Experienced Defender with Playoff Knowledge

Marcus Smart is already 31, however his profession stagnated when he was transferred to the Washington Wizards. Once an elite Boston Celtics participant, he has by no means improved since their championship run.

While his offensive manufacturing has fallen, Smart’s value comes from his protection and management, Dallas Hoops Journal studies. The 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Smart has appeared in 108 playoff video games—all for the Boston Celtics, making him probably the most skilled defenders in the marketplace.

He will make $21.6 million within the final season of his deal, cash that may be extravagant however is comprehensible for a playoff crew in search of toughness and veteran poise to enrich stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

Why Smart Would Work for the Lakers

The Lakers, who misplaced to the Minnesota Timberwolves within the first spherical of the playoffs in what ought to have been a positive home-court scenario, badly want bench depth and skilled management to go behind superstars Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

Pagaduan proposes that Smart can be off the bench in a beginning lineup with Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, James, and lately acquired DeAndre Ayton. As JJ Redick is headed into his second 12 months as head coach, Smart will also be an on-court extension of the teaching workers, particularly on protection.

From Washington‘s perspective, the commerce fits their long-term plan. The Wizards are formally nonetheless in full rebuild mode and haven’t made it to the playoffs since 2021. Getting Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber for a future second-round choose permits them cheaper, youthful expertise and extra roster flexibility.

Smart doesn’t match their timeline, so it is a smart commerce that clears cap house and permits them to hurry up their youth motion.