With offseason acquisitions now eligible to be traded, many Lakers fans are clamoring for the team to make a move, and LA appears to be focused on 3-and-D players. However, one summertime signing could very well stay put despite rumored interest in his services.
Lakers Seem Unwilling to Trade Veteran Guard Despite Interest
Fischer: Bucks Eyeing Smart, Lakers Not Budging
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported Tuesday that the Milwaukee Bucks are interested in defensive Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year who signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers in July.
“Marcus Smart is another defensive-minded guard whom the Bucks have looked at previously, sources say, but it’s difficult to see the Lakers making him available A) after securing Smart on a favorable deal via the buyout market and B) when they have their own point-of-attack defensive issues.”
In 16 games (10 starts), the 31-year-old Smart has averaged 10.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game on .421/.305/.917 splits. Despite a recent blunder against the Phoenix Suns, Smart has provided solid play on the court along with commendable leadership off of it. He has proven essential regardless of the situation, currently starting in place of an injured Austin Reaves (calf strain). And while his offensive production has fluctuated, his defensive chops have never wavered, a relief considering the Lakers’ poor effort on that end of the floor.
Lakers Taking Accountability for Defensive Struggles
The Lakers’ defensive lapses have come to light amid an 18-7 start, with head coach JJ Redick calling the team out and players taking ownership. Recounting a film session after LA’s win over Phoenix, Deandre Ayton said Redick was blunt in his assessment.
“JJ really got on us and basically showed us ‘Y’all showing y’all are [expletive] right now and it’s time to tighten up a little bit.’ You got to have some pride on the defensive end.”
The Lakers currently rank 20th in defensive rating, with analysts pointing to their NBA Cup loss to San Antonio and the blown lead against Phoenix as key sticking points.
Smart noted that a recent team meeting “exposed” the Lakers’ flaws significantly.
“The scouting report against us is we’re not guarding people,” he said. “And if we want to be great in this league and do what we’re trying to do, you have to be able to guard.”
Luka Doncic told reporters that Redick expected more defensive effort from both him and LeBron James, something Doncic has taken to heart.
“[Redick] was right. You got to get a little bit more, especially from the star players. So that’s on us, that’s on me,” he addeid.
In addition to Smart’s leadership and Doncic’s improvement, the Lakers’ defense could see another boost from forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who logged seven points, seven rebounds, two steals and a block on Sunday after being buried on the bench for a month. His commitment and readiness are exactly what the Lakers need there, even though the alternative solution cannot be denied.
Where the Lakers Stand on Trade Rumors
Going forward, it appears “3-and-D” will be the Lakers’ priority from now until February, with players like Keon Ellis and Herb Jones fitting the team’s preferred timeline. Though Smart is currently off the table (along with the obvious big three), the team still has expiring contracts of Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber to offer, not to mention rumored candidate Dalton Knecht and several picks and swaps.
The clock has already started on the Lakers’ trade talks, and fans will have to wait and see if those rumors become reality.
© Allan Henry-Imagn Images
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