Marcus Smart Is Making His Case as a Must-Start for the Lakers
There’s a lot riding on the Lakers this season-expectations, legacy talk, and a roster that’s still trying to find its best version. But if the past few games are any indication, Marcus Smart might just be the missing piece in the starting five puzzle.
He’s not just holding his own-he’s impacting games in ways that don't always show up in the box score. And right now, Los Angeles needs exactly what he brings: defense, toughness, and a spark of energy that can shift momentum in an instant.
With Austin Reaves sidelined, Smart got the start against the Jazz on Thursday night and made the most of the opportunity. His stat line-17 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal-was solid, but the real story was how he affected both ends of the floor.
He hit five threes, posted a +12 in 28 minutes, and gave LA the kind of edge it’s been missing. Even after fouling out in the fourth, his fingerprints were all over the Lakers' comeback win.
Let’s be clear: Smart didn’t just fill in-he changed the tone of the game. Utah led for most of the night, but Smart’s shot-making and defensive presence flipped the script. The Lakers fed off his energy, and it showed.
That kind of impact is why head coach JJ Redick needs to keep him in the starting lineup moving forward.
A Defensive Anchor in a Lineup That Needs One
The Lakers have plenty of offensive firepower with LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves. But that trio also comes with defensive question marks, especially on the perimeter. Deandre Ayton has the center spot locked down when healthy, but that fifth starting role is still very much up for grabs.
Enter Marcus Smart.
Smart’s defensive résumé speaks for itself: 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, three-time All-Defensive First Team member, and a guy who’s built his career on making life miserable for opposing guards. While he may not be at his absolute peak anymore, he still brings a level of defensive IQ and tenacity that this Lakers lineup badly needs.
On Thursday, he took on the Keyonte George assignment and didn’t back down. That’s the kind of matchup Smart thrives in-guarding dynamic scorers, disrupting flow, and making the right reads. He’s not just a stopper; he’s a tone-setter.
Shooting the Ball with Confidence
Coming into the game, Smart was shooting just 30.5% from beyond the arc this season. Not exactly lights out. But since returning from injury three games ago, he’s found his rhythm-going 14-for-28 from deep over that stretch, including 5-for-9 against the Jazz.
Teams are daring him to shoot, and he’s making them pay.
That’s a critical development for the Lakers. With Dončić, LeBron, and Reaves drawing so much attention, Smart is going to get wide-open looks.
If he continues to knock those down, it completely changes the spacing and flow of the offense. It’s not just about hitting shots-it’s about forcing defenses to respect him, which opens up the floor for everyone else.
Managing Minutes, Maximizing Impact
Injuries have been a concern. Smart played just 54 games over the past two seasons and has already missed nine of the Lakers' first 26 games this year.
So yes, his minutes will need to be managed carefully. But when he’s on the floor, he’s proving he’s still capable of making a real difference.
And in a Western Conference loaded with elite guards, having someone like Smart who can take on tough assignments every night is a luxury the Lakers can’t afford to overlook.
The Rotation Decision: Smart Over Hachimura
Rui Hachimura brings size and scoring, but he doesn’t offer the same defensive versatility or perimeter presence that Smart does. If the Lakers are serious about contending, they need to shore up their defense-especially on the perimeter. That means Smart should stay with the starters, while Hachimura shifts into a second-unit role where he can provide a scoring punch without being asked to anchor defensively.
It’s not a knock on Rui-it’s about fit. And right now, Smart fits what this group needs.
Looking Ahead
Yes, the Lakers would still benefit from adding a 3-and-D wing at the trade deadline. Depth is always a concern in a long season.
But that doesn’t change the fact that Smart has earned his spot in the starting five. His defensive instincts, his ability to hit timely shots, and the edge he brings to the floor are exactly what this team needs.
The Lakers have won three straight with Smart in the starting lineup. That’s not a coincidence. It’s a reflection of what happens when you plug the right player into the right role.
JJ Redick has a decision to make, but the answer is becoming clearer with each passing game: Marcus Smart should be starting.