The Los Angeles Lakers have displayed promise to start the 2024-25 season, but they’re open to making moves to help improve their roster.
If the organization wants to shake things up at the point guard position, they could target a Memphis Grizzlies lockdown defender.
“JJ Redick has breathed new life into the Lakers as an offensive unit, but the rookie head coach is yet to figure out a defensive strategy that isn’t simply over-relying on Anthony Davis to protect the rim,” Fadeaway World’s Ishaan Bhattacarya wrote Monday.
“There’s a lack of playable POA defenders on the Lakers, especially with Jarred Vanderbilt’s injury struggles from last season continuing into this year. They need a force on the perimeter who can funnel players into Davis intelligently, with Marcus Smart being the perfect option.”
“Smart has had a rough start to the 2024-25 season, averaging 5.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on a shockingly low 23.5% from the field. His offensive woes are hard to overlook, but Smart’s capable of leveling his production off as the season continues.”
“In the meantime, he looks unplayable for the Memphis Grizzlies and could be moved for an offensive contributor before we even enter the new year.”
“D’Angelo Russell would be a solid offensive guard for the Grizzlies on an expiring contract, giving them future flexibility as compared to Smart having two years left on his contract.”
In Bhattacarya’s hypothetical trade, the Lakers would need to ship D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and a 2025 second-round pick to the Grizzlies to receive Smart.
Smart signed a four-year, $77 million contract extension with the Boston Celtics in 2021, but the franchise traded the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year to the Grizzlies in June of 2023.
The witty on-ball defender averaged 14.5 points and 2.1 steals per game with Memphis last season, but injuries sidelined Smart for 62 regular season contests.
Smart is notching 5.6 points and generating 1.2 takeaways per contest so far this season, but he’s currently dealing with a right ankle sprain that is considered a week-to-week setback.
When Smart is at the top of his game, though, the Oklahoma State product can provide serviceable offensive production while frustrating opponents with his methodical defensive approach.
If the Lakers wish to acquire a fearless point guard who isn’t a disinterested defender, Smart should land at the top of their list.
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