Perhaps the claims that incoming Lakers guard Marcus Smart has declined, especially on defense, have been greatly exaggerated.

The Los Angeles Lakers made a high-value addition to their roster with the signing of Marcus Smart in free agency. Given that Luka Doncic's recruitment efforts drove Smart's arrival, NBA insider Marc Stein reported promising developments regarding the guard's offseason conditioning efforts,

At the start of the 2025 offseason, Rob Pelinka was under heavy fire. The Lakers had just been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Dorian Finney-Smith, their best perimeter defender and an elite two-way wing, left in free agency.

The Lakers have reportedly waived guards Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin in order to be able to sign Marcus Smart once Smart clears waivers.

A top trade candidate this offseason came off the board on Saturday when the Los Angeles Lakers agreed to sign former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to a two-year, $11 million deal following his buyout by the Washington Wizards,