[Shams] Marcus Smart to the L.A. Lakers 2 years/$11 million, after Wizards buyout

[cupcakesnake]

The obvious comp, in pretty much every way, is Kris Dunn. Same age. Same size. Same strengths. Same weaknesses. Some of the strengths and weaknesses are greater in degree with one player than the other, but still. Smart is/was a better defender—but Kris Dunn is a very good defender. Neither is a good shooter, but Dunn is better (which ain’t saying much). Smart had the higher peak, but has had the noted injury issues … and those can seriously affect a defensive player like Smart. Dunn just came off a season where he played 74 games and was healthy. I can’t see a whole lot of difference between them now.

And that makes it a good pickup for the Lakers. If they can get 60 games and 1500 minutes out of Smart, he’ll be worth every cent they pay for him and more. He’s not a world beater. At this point in his career, and coming off the injuries, he’s probably not a starter. But he’s a quality guy to have in the mid-back end of your rotation. He fills a need … like Kris Dunn did and does.

Yeah I like the Dunn comp. Very similar height and length + versatile defensive ability.

Kris Dunn really is at that level on defense now where you can compare him to any guard defender. He's an elite ballhhawker who can also help and disrupt plays all over the court.

If Smart can get back to that level (where he's one of the best guard defenders in the whole league), that's a massive get for the Lakers and nice comeback for Smart. At Smart's peak, I don't think he was as quick or athletic as Dunn, but he was stronger and smarter. What Dunn does with his athleticism, Smart would do with anticipation and grit (not that Dunn is a slouch in that area). Smart used to be so good at dropping into the paint to make things awkward for guys before they could get vertical.

Smart's been forgotten, and he badly needs a real season to get back into the picture. Another injury riddled season and his NBA career will be at risk of ending.

Yeah, there are similarities bet Dunn and Smart esp with their skills and strengths.... and weaknesses particularly their inability to hit 3's.
Dunn was really doing good for the Clippers even played 30 mins game 1 versus Denver.
Then Lue started to hesitate playing him more when he failed to hit open 3's. They lost by 2pts in Denver when Kris missed 8 of 9 total attempts, 1 of 6 from 3.
Game 6, Dunn just played 10 mins and just 16 when the Clippers got clobbered early at Denver for a combined 2 of 8 shots, 1 of 5 from 3.
Lakers coach also limited the Vando's PT to 12 mins while Goodwin for just 8 mins in the last playoffs.
While bad defenders get targeted by forcing switches, bad shooters also get exposed by opposing teams by simply daring them to shoot while clogging the lanes and eliminating drives.

This is the main reason losing DFS is pretty devastating. He was one of the only 2-way guys on the roster, the only role-player who couldn't get played off the floor.

Smart will be left open in the playoffs (if the Lakers get there), but he's not a hesitant shooter like Dunn. Smart will let it fly for better or worse. 33% playoff 3-point shooter shows us he's not great, but he can get hot for stretches.

[tamaraw08]

Yeah I like the Dunn comp. Very similar height and length + versatile defensive ability.

Kris Dunn really is at that level on defense now where you can compare him to any guard defender. He's an elite ballhhawker who can also help and disrupt plays all over the court.

If Smart can get back to that level (where he's one of the best guard defenders in the whole league), that's a massive get for the Lakers and nice comeback for Smart. At Smart's peak, I don't think he was as quick or athletic as Dunn, but he was stronger and smarter. What Dunn does with his athleticism, Smart would do with anticipation and grit (not that Dunn is a slouch in that area). Smart used to be so good at dropping into the paint to make things awkward for guys before they could get vertical.

Smart's been forgotten, and he badly needs a real season to get back into the picture. Another injury riddled season and his NBA career will be at risk of ending.

Yeah, there are similarities bet Dunn and Smart esp with their skills and strengths.... and weaknesses particularly their inability to hit 3's.
Dunn was really doing good for the Clippers even played 30 mins game 1 versus Denver.
Then Lue started to hesitate playing him more when he failed to hit open 3's. They lost by 2pts in Denver when Kris missed 8 of 9 total attempts, 1 of 6 from 3.
Game 6, Dunn just played 10 mins and just 16 when the Clippers got clobbered early at Denver for a combined 2 of 8 shots, 1 of 5 from 3.
Lakers coach also limited the Vando's PT to 12 mins while Goodwin for just 8 mins in the last playoffs.
While bad defenders get targeted by forcing switches, bad shooters also get exposed by opposing teams by simply daring them to shoot while clogging the lanes and eliminating drives.

This is the main reason losing DFS is pretty devastating. He was one of the only 2-way guys on the roster, the only role-player who couldn't get played off the floor.

Smart will be left open in the playoffs (if the Lakers get there), but he's not a hesitant shooter like Dunn. Smart will let it fly for better or worse. 33% playoff 3-point shooter shows us he's not great, but he can get hot for stretches.

Rob Pelinka was getting desperate in finally acquiring a true 3&D player before the trade deadline that he gave away his precious 3 2nd rounders just to get DFS and then simply let him walk away for NOTHING, not even a sign and trade.
You know who else would not hesitate chuck so many open 3's when gets dared? The freaking Russell Westbrook, you know what team is interested in signing him?

[The_Ghost_of_JB]

Smart is always injured and is no longer a good defender. Smarts defensive rating was 116 last season which is considered pretty bad. Also, hope Lakers fans enjoy Smart shooting 3-12 on nightly basis and taking more shots than Luka or Lebron.

It will all be worth it though when he hits a big shoot every 20 games or so and it will totally make you forget about the horrendous shooting the previous 19 games.

[darkse1d]

Good signing. Don't think he's as washed as most are saying. Being in unfortunate situations and being traded from a contender in Boston probably impacted the last 2 seasons more than anything. He's still 31 and can shoot.

Still don't think lakers are contenders. They still need a backup point guard. Reeves won't be able to cut considering his defense.

Projected line up
Pg: LeBron/gabe
Sg: Reeves/Smart
SF: Luka/LeBron/reeves
PF: Rui/maxi/Laravia/vando
C: Ayton/Hayes

Probably will need another forward. Vando is useless in playoffs. I also don't think LeBron will be able to play more than 70 games given his age. Father time is still undefeated.. probably delayed but it's gotta come eventually.

They're also thin at the point guard spot and need a ball handler. They will probably rotate LeBron, reeves and Luka for ball handling duties. I think reeves might have to come off the bench and give the start to smart. Reeves in starting lineup with 2 players that need the ball in their hands and a centre that pouts if he doesn't get the ball won't work.

On paper they are contenders and If healthy getting to the playoffs will be a tougher out. But still putting OKC, puppies and possibly nuggets over them. They will be in the mix for 4-6 seed along with clippers warriors

[GreatWhiteStiff]

Lebron is going to lose his mind after about the 9th missed 3pt shot

FYP

[Archx]

Yeah, there are similarities bet Dunn and Smart esp with their skills and strengths.... and weaknesses particularly their inability to hit 3's.
Dunn was really doing good for the Clippers even played 30 mins game 1 versus Denver.
Then Lue started to hesitate playing him more when he failed to hit open 3's. They lost by 2pts in Denver when Kris missed 8 of 9 total attempts, 1 of 6 from 3.
Game 6, Dunn just played 10 mins and just 16 when the Clippers got clobbered early at Denver for a combined 2 of 8 shots, 1 of 5 from 3.
Lakers coach also limited the Vando's PT to 12 mins while Goodwin for just 8 mins in the last playoffs.
While bad defenders get targeted by forcing switches, bad shooters also get exposed by opposing teams by simply daring them to shoot while clogging the lanes and eliminating drives.

This is the main reason losing DFS is pretty devastating. He was one of the only 2-way guys on the roster, the only role-player who couldn't get played off the floor.

Smart will be left open in the playoffs (if the Lakers get there), but he's not a hesitant shooter like Dunn. Smart will let it fly for better or worse. 33% playoff 3-point shooter shows us he's not great, but he can get hot for stretches.

Rob Pelinka was getting desperate in finally acquiring a true 3&D player before the trade deadline that he gave away his precious 3 2nd rounders just to get DFS and then simply let him walk away for NOTHING, not even a sign and trade.
You know who else would not hesitate chuck so many open 3's when gets dared? The freaking Russell Westbrook, you know what team is interested in signing him?

I think Lakers had to do something about their depth. They had the options to keep DFS but ultimately decided to go the other route. It's not like DFS is getting younger either, plus he just had ankle surgery. As the reports from insiders are coming in, they're still not done and are actively looking for even more depth via trade.

So instead of keeping DFS, Lakers managed to get Ayton, LaRavia, Smart and they drafted a potential direct DFS replacement for the future in Adou Thiero.

Lakers bench was 2nd worst in the league last season, Pelinka had to do something.... With Luka coming back probably better than ever, having more depth on all positions is still a better gamble than simply keeping DFS and risking not having a proper starting center and more depth.

[Doug_12]

Yeah, there are similarities bet Dunn and Smart esp with their skills and strengths.... and weaknesses particularly their inability to hit 3's.
Dunn was really doing good for the Clippers even played 30 mins game 1 versus Denver.
Then Lue started to hesitate playing him more when he failed to hit open 3's. They lost by 2pts in Denver when Kris missed 8 of 9 total attempts, 1 of 6 from 3.
Game 6, Dunn just played 10 mins and just 16 when the Clippers got clobbered early at Denver for a combined 2 of 8 shots, 1 of 5 from 3.
Lakers coach also limited the Vando's PT to 12 mins while Goodwin for just 8 mins in the last playoffs.
While bad defenders get targeted by forcing switches, bad shooters also get exposed by opposing teams by simply daring them to shoot while clogging the lanes and eliminating drives.

This is the main reason losing DFS is pretty devastating. He was one of the only 2-way guys on the roster, the only role-player who couldn't get played off the floor.

Smart will be left open in the playoffs (if the Lakers get there), but he's not a hesitant shooter like Dunn. Smart will let it fly for better or worse. 33% playoff 3-point shooter shows us he's not great, but he can get hot for stretches.

Rob Pelinka was getting desperate in finally acquiring a true 3&D player before the trade deadline that he gave away his precious 3 2nd rounders just to get DFS and then simply let him walk away for NOTHING, not even a sign and trade.
You know who else would not hesitate chuck so many open 3's when gets dared? The freaking Russell Westbrook, you know what team is interested in signing him?

Yeah, that pretty much sums up my view as well, but Smart was actually not looking that bad according to advanced metrics as some posts here suggest. Despite the injuries, being fat and all, he was still in the 97th percentile in DEPM (among the very good defenders) and was only below average (not terrible) on OEPM. Impactwise he seems to be better than Vando and better than an inverse D'Angelo Russell - which surprised me a bit. (Sadly DFS was not that far away on D and was way better offensively.)

Ayton is more concerning to me. He is not good at either end of the floor and I always hated the dumb+no-effort combination in a player. Impactwise he was in the same ballpark as Bol Bol, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Mark Williams. Ok, at least we haven't given up anything for him, but still.

Anyways: even after Smart looking a bit better impactwise than what I anticipated originally, I would have probably not done an Ayton+Smart for DFS trade - which we did practically.

[ryguy613]

So the NBA teams have gifted Lakers Ayton/Smart and we'll see who else. How much help does Lebron need?

and the NBA gifted the Clippers Beal, right?

[John Murdoch]

Remember when Horford got dealt to OKC and basically took the yr off to stay fresh...i feel like Smart has more juice left than we are assuming

[Optms]

Wizards basically told Smart to go home and chill last season to tank. He will be fresh this season.

[cupcakesnake]

This is the main reason losing DFS is pretty devastating. He was one of the only 2-way guys on the roster, the only role-player who couldn't get played off the floor.

Smart will be left open in the playoffs (if the Lakers get there), but he's not a hesitant shooter like Dunn. Smart will let it fly for better or worse. 33% playoff 3-point shooter shows us he's not great, but he can get hot for stretches.

Rob Pelinka was getting desperate in finally acquiring a true 3&D player before the trade deadline that he gave away his precious 3 2nd rounders just to get DFS and then simply let him walk away for NOTHING, not even a sign and trade.
You know who else would not hesitate chuck so many open 3's when gets dared? The freaking Russell Westbrook, you know what team is interested in signing him?

I think Lakers had to do something about their depth. They had the options to keep DFS but ultimately decided to go the other route. It's not like DFS is getting younger either, plus he just had ankle surgery. As the reports from insiders are coming in, they're still not done and are actively looking for even more depth via trade.

So instead of keeping DFS, Lakers managed to get Ayton, LaRavia, Smart and they drafted a potential direct DFS replacement for the future in Adou Thiero.

Lakers bench was 2nd worst in the league last season, Pelinka had to do something.... With Luka coming back probably better than ever, having more depth on all positions is still a better gamble than simply keeping DFS and risking not having a proper starting center and more depth.

Losing DFS had nothing to do with Ayton and Laravia. You're making it sound like DFS was signed to a huge contract, and the lakers used that room to sign multiple players. DFS signed for 13m/year. The Lakers had some cushion below the 1st apron, and bird rights on DFS. They could have signed DFS, Laravia (6m/y), and Ayton (8m/y). Adding Smart is slightly trickier, since they signed him to 5m/y and needed to cut Shake and Goodwin to get back under the 1st apron to do so. The Lakers might have been able to sign all 4 guys, but it would have been trickier and they would have gone over the 1st apron.

It wasn't a choice between DFS and the trio of Ayton/Laravia/Smart. All of those guys were signed to contract the Lakers could afford. DFS is the most expensive of that group, assuming the Lakers would have signed him to a similar number that Houston did.

[Archx]

Rob Pelinka was getting desperate in finally acquiring a true 3&D player before the trade deadline that he gave away his precious 3 2nd rounders just to get DFS and then simply let him walk away for NOTHING, not even a sign and trade.
You know who else would not hesitate chuck so many open 3's when gets dared? The freaking Russell Westbrook, you know what team is interested in signing him?

I think Lakers had to do something about their depth. They had the options to keep DFS but ultimately decided to go the other route. It's not like DFS is getting younger either, plus he just had ankle surgery. As the reports from insiders are coming in, they're still not done and are actively looking for even more depth via trade.

So instead of keeping DFS, Lakers managed to get Ayton, LaRavia, Smart and they drafted a potential direct DFS replacement for the future in Adou Thiero.

Lakers bench was 2nd worst in the league last season, Pelinka had to do something.... With Luka coming back probably better than ever, having more depth on all positions is still a better gamble than simply keeping DFS and risking not having a proper starting center and more depth.

Losing DFS had nothing to do with Ayton and Laravia. You're making it sound like DFS was signed to a huge contract, and the lakers used that room to sign multiple players. DFS signed for 13m/year. The Lakers had some cushion below the 1st apron, and bird rights on DFS. They could have signed DFS, Laravia (6m/y), and Ayton (8m/y). Adding Smart is slightly trickier, since they signed him to 5m/y and needed to cut Shake and Goodwin to get back under the 1st apron to do so. The Lakers might have been able to sign all 4 guys, but it would have been trickier and they would have gone over the 1st apron.

It wasn't a choice between DFS and the trio of Ayton/Laravia/Smart. All of those guys were signed to contract the Lakers could afford. DFS is the most expensive of that group, assuming the Lakers would have signed him to a similar number that Houston did.

They signed Ayton into MLE as they did with LaRavia. They couldn't have MLE if they resigned DFS. They are going to sign Smart into Bi-Annual.

The Lakers, according to team sources, offered two years against the four-year, $53 million deal he got with Houston because they wanted to maintain as much future flexibility as possible to be in position to land a superstar down the line to pair with Dončić.

Also, Lakers are lining almost all of their contracts to have max cap flexibility in 2027, they couldn't do that with what DFS was seeking.

[Tor_Raps]

So the NBA teams have gifted Lakers Ayton/Smart and we'll see who else. How much help does Lebron need?

and the NBA gifted the Clippers Beal, right?

Nah, I prefer to only cry when the Lakers/Lebron get something for free lol

[zimpy27]

Rob Pelinka was getting desperate in finally acquiring a true 3&D player before the trade deadline that he gave away his precious 3 2nd rounders just to get DFS and then simply let him walk away for NOTHING, not even a sign and trade.
You know who else would not hesitate chuck so many open 3's when gets dared? The freaking Russell Westbrook, you know what team is interested in signing him?

I think Lakers had to do something about their depth. They had the options to keep DFS but ultimately decided to go the other route. It's not like DFS is getting younger either, plus he just had ankle surgery. As the reports from insiders are coming in, they're still not done and are actively looking for even more depth via trade.

So instead of keeping DFS, Lakers managed to get Ayton, LaRavia, Smart and they drafted a potential direct DFS replacement for the future in Adou Thiero.

Lakers bench was 2nd worst in the league last season, Pelinka had to do something.... With Luka coming back probably better than ever, having more depth on all positions is still a better gamble than simply keeping DFS and risking not having a proper starting center and more depth.

Losing DFS had nothing to do with Ayton and Laravia. You're making it sound like DFS was signed to a huge contract, and the lakers used that room to sign multiple players. DFS signed for 13m/year. The Lakers had some cushion below the 1st apron, and bird rights on DFS. They could have signed DFS, Laravia (6m/y), and Ayton (8m/y). Adding Smart is slightly trickier, since they signed him to 5m/y and needed to cut Shake and Goodwin to get back under the 1st apron to do so. The Lakers might have been able to sign all 4 guys, but it would have been trickier and they would have gone over the 1st apron.

It wasn't a choice between DFS and the trio of Ayton/Laravia/Smart. All of those guys were signed to contract the Lakers could afford. DFS is the most expensive of that group, assuming the Lakers would have signed him to a similar number that Houston did.

Lakers needed to pay to move Kleber or Gabe in to capspace in order to afford DFS, Ayton and one of LaRavia or Smart.

Without moving Kleber or Gabe in to space, the Lakers couldn't have added more than one of Ayton, LaRavia, Smart.

I think Lakers come out of the offseason only slightly better than last season. I wouldn't call it a big win. They definitely could have done better.

I'd have kept DFS instead of signing LaRavia and Smart.

[Barnzy]

Good signing. Don't think he's as washed as most are saying. Being in unfortunate situations and being traded from a contender in Boston probably impacted the last 2 seasons more than anything. He's still 31 and can shoot.

Still don't think lakers are contenders. They still need a backup point guard. Reeves won't be able to cut considering his defense.

Projected line up
Pg: LeBron/gabe
Sg: Reeves/Smart
SF: Luka/LeBron/reeves
PF: Rui/maxi/Laravia/vando
C: Ayton/Hayes

Probably will need another forward. Vando is useless in playoffs. I also don't think LeBron will be able to play more than 70 games given his age. Father time is still undefeated.. probably delayed but it's gotta come eventually.

They're also thin at the point guard spot and need a ball handler. They will probably rotate LeBron, reeves and Luka for ball handling duties. I think reeves might have to come off the bench and give the start to smart. Reeves in starting lineup with 2 players that need the ball in their hands and a centre that pouts if he doesn't get the ball won't work.

On paper they are contenders and If healthy getting to the playoffs will be a tougher out. But still putting OKC, puppies and possibly nuggets over them. They will be in the mix for 4-6 seed along with clippers warriors

The last thing the Lakers need is another ball handler. Smart is the back up PG. Knecht and Gabe are the backup SG's by role. One of his Smart's best strengths has always been passing and creation. Some people associate him as just a defensive guy but he has offensive skill.

If they add another guard it needs to be a strong 6'5/6'6 off ball guard who can defend and shoot not a ball handler. Basically a Knecht upgrade. I'd prefer a 6'7-6'8 wing to play jumbo lineups as size can overcome some other deficiencies.

[HardenGoat]

Good signing for sure but the glaring issue to me is Ayton. I just don’t see him being the big they needed. He could prove me wrong but as of now he is the weakest link in what was a broken chain there.

[LakersSoul]

Good signing for sure but the glaring issue to me is Ayton. I just don’t see him being the big they needed. He could prove me wrong but as of now he is the weakest link in what was a broken chain there.

Better than Hayes at starting center, lol.

[picc]

Reaves off the bench makes sense for both the Lakers and for Reaves.

The Lakers get a plus defender in their starting lineup who can guard almost all positions.

Reaves gets to cook in a lineup that doesn't feature 3 other scorers and creators (Luka, Lebron, Ayton) in his contract year. How many touches is he getting on the court with those three, vs on the court with the Lakers bench guys?

There's no reason not to do it tbh.

[tamaraw08]

This is the main reason losing DFS is pretty devastating. He was one of the only 2-way guys on the roster, the only role-player who couldn't get played off the floor.

Smart will be left open in the playoffs (if the Lakers get there), but he's not a hesitant shooter like Dunn. Smart will let it fly for better or worse. 33% playoff 3-point shooter shows us he's not great, but he can get hot for stretches.

Rob Pelinka was getting desperate in finally acquiring a true 3&D player before the trade deadline that he gave away his precious 3 2nd rounders just to get DFS and then simply let him walk away for NOTHING, not even a sign and trade.
You know who else would not hesitate chuck so many open 3's when gets dared? The freaking Russell Westbrook, you know what team is interested in signing him?

Yeah, that pretty much sums up my view as well, but Smart was actually not looking that bad according to advanced metrics as some posts here suggest. Despite the injuries, being fat and all, he was still in the 97th percentile in DEPM (among the very good defenders) and was only below average (not terrible) on OEPM. Impactwise he seems to be better than Vando and better than an inverse D'Angelo Russell - which surprised me a bit. (Sadly DFS was not that far away on D and was way better offensively.)

Ayton is more concerning to me. He is not good at either end of the floor and I always hated the dumb+no-effort combination in a player. Impactwise he was in the same ballpark as Bol Bol, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Mark Williams. Ok, at least we haven't given up anything for him, but still.

Anyways: even after Smart looking a bit better impactwise than what I anticipated originally, I would have probably not done an Ayton+Smart for DFS trade - which we did practically.

I wouldn't go that far in terms of your view about Ayton esp on offense. There's no way IMO that he would have averaged 16 and 10.5 career if he is in the class of Bol Bol, Trayce etc. Not even high picks like Olowokandi, Kwame etc. Yes, he benefitted greatly from CP3 esp in the playoffs but even when Paul left, the guy STILL was relatively productive. Most guys without enough talent can not put up these numbers even with bad teams, unable to even to put up "empty calorie stats".
The hope is that he can somewhat just be the guy who could give that extra push like when the Bulls had Bison Dele or when Detoit acquired Wallace.
Now, I don't expect him to consistently put a great effort particularly on defense every game and yes I truly hope Pelinka would trade for a more reliable back up instead of Hayes and Kaloko.

[Froob]

Reaves off the bench makes sense for both the Lakers and for Reaves.

The Lakers get a plus defender in their starting lineup who can guard almost all positions.

Reaves gets to cook in a lineup that doesn't feature 3 other scorers and creators (Luka, Lebron, Ayton) in his contract year. How many touches is he getting on the court with those three, vs on the court with the Lakers bench guys?

There's no reason not to do it tbh.

Are you starting Smart, then? Just feels like a weird fit with starting lineup.

Smart is probably better off defending bigger players these days, the quicker guards were cooking him end of his career with Boston