Last week, news emerged of longtime Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart’s next chapter in the NBA. Following a buyout with the Washington Wizards, he is now set to join the LA Lakers. This lands smart on the ever-growing list of players to suit up for both of the league’s most iconic franchises.
Since departing from the Celtics, Smart hasn’t been the impactful player he was for years in Boston. Availability had a lot to do with his, as injuries regularly kept him on the sidelines. However, according to recent developments, Smart is looking to put all that behind him as he prepares for this new journey.
While reporting on Smart’s decision to join the Lakers, NBA insider Marc Stein also touched on the work the former Defensive Player of the Year has been putting in behind the scenes. He’s put a major emphasis on his conditioning in hopes of returning to his old levels of physicality on the floor.
“I’m likewise told that Smart (like Dončić) has been working hard on his body this summer,” Stein wrote. “Conditioning was an undeniable issue for Smart last season, but the Lakers were convinced during their pursuit that they will see a sleeker version of the 2021-22 DPOY.”
Smart has a chance to be a key member of the Lakers’ supporting cast, but only if he can stay on the floor. Over the last two seasons, he’s appeared in just 54 games. If he remains unable to be available, LA’s gamble won’t pan out how they hope.
Now back on a team with true championship aspirations, Smart has an added sense of motivation to get himself right physically for the 2026 campaign. Only time will tell if the veteran will be able to get his career back on track as a member of the Lakers.
