The Boston Celtics traded a declining Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies in 2023, but he is bouncing back to play a key role on the rival Lakers. Boston drafted Smart and transformed him into the Defensive Player of the Year. There was plenty of pain when the Celtics traded him. The franchise saw the decline and wanted to contend. They won a championship, but Smart may get the last laugh.
The 31-year-old is not producing monster stats, but is playing a key role on the Celtics' archrival. After spending time in Memphis and Washington on non-competitive teams, Smart has found the perfect spot helping a contender. The Lakers got him for just $5.1 million this season after his buyout, and they are certainly not regretting it.
There is no questioning his basketball IQ. Smart makes the right plays and is finding his footing coming off the bench in Los Angeles. The on-off numbers are staggering. The Celtics saw the decline, but Smart was the heart and soul of their defense. He is making a similar impact for the Lakers in fewer minutes per game.
Marcus Smart is suddenly resurrecting his career with the Lakers
Smart averages 9.5 points, 2.9 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals in 27.3 minutes per game so far. He is shooting just 39.8 percent from the field and 24.2 percent on his 3-point attempts, but those numbers will improve. The 6’3 guard is getting a ton of open looks playing off Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. It is only a matter of time before the shots begin to fall.
The Lakers have been forced to play Smart more in the early going as they dealt with injuries. All three of their stars missed some time, but it has not stopped the veteran guard. Los Angeles outscores the opposition by 9.8 points per 100 possessions with Smart on the floor, and his on-off is 13.3 points per 100. The offense is virtually the same, but the former Defensive Player of the Year transforms the Lakers into an elite defense whenever he gets into the game.
Celtics fans are not surprised. They know Smart can defend multiple positions, create turnovers, and wreak havoc on that end of the floor. That is what he does. The 31-year-old has struggled with injuries since leaving Boston, but Smart has been healthy and impactful in Los Angeles.
The Lakers needed a vocal leader on defense when LeBron was out. Smart filled in and gives LA another voice to lean on when things get tough. He helped the Celtics make the NBA Finals in 2022 and play in five conference finals in nine years. Smart is still hungry for his first championship, but he’s done plenty of winning.
The Boston Celtics dumped Marcus Smart on the Grizzlies as they saw his decline. Los Angeles got a steal after he was bought out, and is helping the veteran resurrect his career. Expect Smart to get another payday in the summer of 2026 as he continues to be an impactful role player capable of helping a contender win. Celtics fans are rooting for Smart to keep it up, but they would love to see it happen on any other team. Sadly, it is the Lakers that are reviving Smart.