In the quest to bolster their backcourt defense before the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks have both expressed interest in acquiring defensive stalwart Marcus Smart.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, both the Lakers and the Bucks have reached out to the Memphis Grizzlies inquiring about a potential trade for the 29-year-old point guard.
Despite the inquiries, the Grizzlies have firmly rejected any overtures for Smart, emphasizing their commitment to retaining the veteran guard.
Smart, currently sidelined due to a severe right ring finger injury, became a Grizzly in the offseason as part of the Kristaps Porzingis trade. He is in the second year of a four-year, $76.5 million contract.
Over 20 regular season games Smart has been averaging 14.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 30.3 minutes per game.
