The NBA on Thursday released the 12 candidates for the 2025-26 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award, and Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart is one of the finalists.
The honor, created to celebrate selfless play, leadership and commitment to team, will be decided by a vote of current NBA players. Six players from each conference were nominated:
Western Conference finalists
- Marcus Smart – Los Angeles Lakers
- De’Aaron Fox – San Antonio Spurs
- Jeff Green – Houston Rockets
- DeAndre Jordan – New Orleans Pelicans
- Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics
- Jaylin Williams – Oklahoma City Thunder
Eastern Conference finalists
- Desmond Bane – Orlando Magic
- Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks
- Pat Connaughton – Charlotte Hornets
- Jrue Holiday – Portland Trail Blazers
- Duncan Robinson – Detroit Pistons
- Garrett Temple – Toronto Raptors
Smart, acquired by the Lakers last offseason, has earned praise for his defensive intensity, timely shot making and veteran presence in a young locker room. The former Defensive Player of the Year has taken on a mentoring role with rookies Adou Thiero, Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, among others.
Speaking recently about Thiero, Smart advised the second-round pick to embrace defense first in order to secure playing time. “Everyone enters this league as a star,” Smart said. “You have to adjust to the role you’re given. We have a lot of guys who can score; not many want to defend. Play defense and everything else will follow.”
The league is expected to announce the winner later in the season after players complete their ballots.
Source: LakersNation.com
