Marcus Smart is optimistic about the Los Angeles Lakers‘ potential in the upcoming NBA season, believing the team is well-equipped to contend in the highly competitive Western Conference.
Smart, one of four new additions to the Lakers this offseason, joins Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia, both free agent acquisitions, and second-round draft pick Adou Thiero. The Lakers are coming off a 50-win season that saw them secure the No. 3 seed in the West before being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Timberwolves.
The veteran guard expressed confidence in the Lakers’ ability to match up against top teams in the conference, including the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets, both of whom have made significant roster adjustments. “I think we stack right up there with the best of them,” Smart stated. “And I think we can [compete]. Our ceiling is high. I think there’s no ceiling. I think if we all lock in and come and do what we’re supposed to do, we can have a real good shot at it.”
Smart’s arrival in Los Angeles marks a full-circle moment in his career. He was drafted sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in 2014, the same draft where the Lakers, who had worked him out, selected Julius Randle at No. 7.Smart spent his first nine seasons with the Celtics before playing only 54 games over the past two seasons with Washington and the Memphis Grizzlies due to injuries.
“I’m very motivated,” Smart shared. “The last two years for me was, in my eyes, a disappointment.Injuries kind of stopped me and held me back. But, like I told my wife and my family, everything happens for a reason. And it’s funny that 12 years ago, I could have been here and now it’s full circle and I’m here.”
The article also touches on the contract situation of another key Lakers player, noting that the team can offer a four-year, $222 million extension to the 26-year-old superstar as of August 2nd. This player has two years remaining on his current contract, including a player option for the 2026-27 season.
