Lakers Linked to Former DPOY Marcus Smart, Centers Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline: Report
November 30, 2024
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The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be one of the more active teams at the NBA trade deadline this season, as they try to bring more firepower to their roster. At 11-8, Los Angeles has started out the year well. The Lakers look much more formidable than some around the league would have thought.
Under new head coach JJ Redick, Los Angeles has bought into his plans and it’s shown out on the floor. But in order for the Lakers to truly contend for a title this year, they will need to add more talent to their group of players.
The Lakers have been looking around the market for help, mainly in the frontcourt. There have been a few consistent names mentioned with Los Angeles but nothing has materialized of yet.
Most big trades with the Lakers won’t happen until after Dec. 15, when most players signed over the summer can finally be moved. While the Lakers have been connected with some centers, one former Defensive Player of the Year is now being linked with the team.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, Memphis Grizzlies wing Marcus Smart is a name that Los Angeles could look into. Fischer does mention that Memphis would likely want multiple draft picks to part with Smart, but it’s certainly an interesting thought.
“I keep hearing about centers for them, we’ve talked plenty about the Lakers and the centers market taking shape with Jonas Valančiūnas continuing to be a name linked to there… Marcus Smart is someone who in theory could fit into that D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino type of package.”
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 27: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts with LeBron James #23 prior to the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on November 27,… SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 27: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts with LeBron James #23 prior to the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on November 27, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. The Lakers are expected to be an active team at the trade deadline.
Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images
Landing Smart wouldn’t help the frontcourt problems of Los Angeles but he would give them a legitimate point-of-attack defender. Smart is one of the better guard defenders on the perimeter and could help the Lakers’ defense out tremendously.
For the year, Smart is averaging 9.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Putting him alongside the stars of the Lakers could help push Los Angeles more into a true contender spot.
Smart is used to have the bright lights on him from his time with the Boston Celtics. The veteran guard knows what it takes to win games and could help Los Angeles become even more competitive.
The biggest issue would be the return for Smart as the Lakers don’t have too many assets to work with. Los Angeles probably wouldn’t trade multiple first-round draft picks for Smart, though maybe it wouldn’t take more than one.
But this is certainly an interesting name for the Lakers and something to look out for down the line.
For more Lakers and NBA news, make sure to head over to Newsweek Sports.
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