Veteran guard Marcus Smart continues to be a game-changer for the Los Angeles Lakers with his defensive instincts.
In Monday’s 121-111 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, Smart finished with seven steals, tying a Lakers franchise record for most steals in the 21st century. The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year also contributed 13 points, six assists and four rebounds, including three three-pointers, to produce an all-around performance for the Lakers.
Smart tied the Lakers’ 21st-century single-game steals record, previously achieved by the late Kobe Bryant (2006 vs. Utah Jazz), Smush Parker (2005 vs. Milwaukee Bucks), Metta Sandiford-Artest (2013 vs. San Antonio Spurs), Lou Williams (2015 vs. Washington Wizards), and Anthony Davis (2024 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves).
Marcus Smart, A Defensive Icon
Smart leads the Lakers in every defensive metric imaginable, including defensive rating (107.3) and defensive win-shares (0.137), while guarding the opponent’s best player on a nightly basis — even those who tower over him like centers and power forwards.
Through nine games, Smart has clamped down on the best of the best, holding Ja Morant and DeMar DeRozan to 25% shooting, while not allowing Anthony Edwards, Victor Wembanyama and Zach LaVine to score over him as the primary defender.
Furthermore, he ranks fourth in the NBA in deflections per game (4.6) and 12th in charges drawn (0.22), while dominating for the Lakers in various hustle metrics.
Strong Case for DPOY
If Smart continues to bring the same energy, he will make a strong case for Defensive Player of the Year, or at least a spot in an All-Defensive Team. Just consider that the Lakers have conceded 116.2 points per 100 possessions, but 107.3 points when Smart is on the floor — a 10-point difference proving to be the key between wins and losses.
Smart, who played a key role in helping the Boston Celtics reach the 2022 NBA Finals, is ready to have a similar impact on the Lakers.
“Just trying to make an impact anyway you can and use my instinct to the best of my ability. Getting steals or not getting the steals — just putting myself in a position to help my team,” he said after Monday’s win, via Spectrum SportsNet.
Smart also acknowledged how he impacts winning without his scoring.
“Unfortunately, we’re in a league where things like that go a lot of times unnoticed,” he said. “Not as loud as scoring 40 but it takes those type of things to win games to win championships.”
The Lakers (8-3) will continue their five-game road trip when they face the Oklahoma City Thunder (10-1), the reigning NBA champions, on Wednesday night.
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