The Los Angeles Lakers addressed a key offseason priority—perimeter defense—by signing veteran guard Marcus Smart after his buyout from the Washington Wizards. Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, believes his partnership with forward Jarred Vanderbilt can immediately shape the team’s identity on that end of the floor.
“Our versatility is huge,” Smart said when asked about sharing minutes with Vanderbilt during the preseason. “We can both cover multiple positions. If one of us is getting tired or an opponent is hot, we can simply switch and keep the pressure on. Adding Gabe (Vincent) to that mix only amplifies what we can do.”
Health and High Expectations
Vanderbilt’s availability looms large after injuries limited him last season. The 26-year-old looked sharp in preseason action, drawing praise from coaches and teammates for his on-ball work and help defense. Smart noted that Vanderbilt’s presence gives the Lakers the option to rotate matchups without sacrificing intensity.
Smart Ready for Opening Night
The 31-year-old guard spent the past two years battling various injuries but reported no lingering issues ahead of the Oct. 20 season opener. “I feel great,” Smart said. “That first preseason game was about finding my rhythm with new teammates. Each day I’m ramping up, and with three days before we tip off, the timing feels right.”
Head coach JJ Redick may face offensive spacing challenges when deploying Smart and Vanderbilt together; neither is known for outside shooting. However, their defensive prowess could prove decisive when the Lakers need stops early in the campaign.
Source: Lakers Nation
