Marcus

Smart

Still only 32, Smart is a 12-year NBA veteran best known for his nine-year tenure with the Celtics. He won the Defensive Player of the Year award in the 2021-22 season. Smart was still a significant piece for the Lakers last year as he averaged 9.3 points and 3.0 assists in 28.5 minutes per game. He opted out of his contract with the Lakers and was rewarded by the Rockets with a slight pay bump. NBA Insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer previously reported the Rockets were a potential landing spot for Smart.

After one season in Los Angeles, Smart has reportedly decided to hit free agency. Appearing in 62 games, the veteran guard averaged 9.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.6 three-pointers in 28.5 minutes. On Sunday, NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported that Houston is a potential landing spot for Smart. Had he opted into the final season of his contract, Smart would have received a base salary of $5.4 million.

Despite not shooting the basketball well, particularly from beyond the arc, Smart was the lone Lakers starter to conclude with a positive plus-minus. He was impactful as a passer on the evening and played his usual strong defense, even though he only tallied one steal. Smart eventually knocking down some three-pointers would help the Lakers’ offense — he’s currently shooting 3-of-15 from deep over the first two games of the series. Perhaps the home floor and familiarity with the rims will help the veteran guard find his touch in Game 3.

On April 29, it was reported that Dončić, who strained his left hamstring in an April 2 loss to the Thunder, had no return timeline. He’ll remain out at the start of the second-round series, with the hope that the Lakers will get Dončić back at some point. Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura will continue to play significant minutes until Dončić can play.

Smart had 25 points, seven assists and five steals in Game 2 and had a pretty similar stat line in Game 3. The 32-year-old point guard had 21 points, 10 assists and five steals as the Lakers improbably took a 3-0 series lead with the overtime win. Smart has become one of the Lakers’ most important players early in these playoffs with Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) sidelined.

Smart had 15 points and one three-pointer in Game 1, but stepped up his offensive production significantly in Game 2, keying a Lakers win. The added scoring from the 32-year-old shooting guard was a welcomed sight for the Lakers with Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) still sidelined. Smart and the Lakers will take on the Rockets in Game 3 on Friday as the series shifts to Houston.

Smart didn’t have the most efficient game, shooting below 50 percent from the field and committing five turnovers. Give the veteran guard credit for dishing out eight assists and recording three “stocks,” so all wasn’t lost for those competing in playoff fantasy leagues. The Lakers host Game 2 on Tuesday night, and they’ll need a cleaner performance from Smart than what he provided on Saturday.

Friday’s game was the first for Smart since March 21, and the veteran guard was used in a reserve role against the Suns. While he can be inconsistent at best as a scorer, Smart’s abilities as a perimeter defender make him an essential contributor for the Lakers. Especially with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves not likely to be ready when the playoffs begin on April 18.

Smart will be back following a nine-game absence, and the reinforcements for this depleted Lakers rotation will be helpful. Luke Kennard (finger) has been starting but is questionable for this game. Smart will likely replace him in the starting unit regardless of Kennard’s availability.

Kennard has become a pivotal piece in the Lakers’ starting unit due to the absences of both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Marcus Smart will be back following a nine-game absence, which may push Kennard to the bench if he plays, though Smart will certainly occupy his starting spot if Kennard is out.