Marcus Smart: “I still have a lot left in the tank”

Jul 23, 2025 6:21 PM

Since being traded from the Celtics to the Grizzlies two years ago, Marcus Smart has only been available for 54 out of a possible 164 games. Now, after securing a buyout from the Wizards and signing a two-year, $11 million contract with the Lakers on Tuesday, Smart believes he’s turned the page on his injury troubles.

“I still have a lot left in the tank,” the player said during a press conference on Tuesday, per Dan Woike of The Athletic.

The Lakers brought Smart in using their biannual exception rather than a veteran’s minimum deal, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Reflecting on his recent struggles, Smart described his past two seasons as frustrating.

“I’m very motivated,” Smart said. “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.”

Originally selected sixth overall by Boston in the 2014 draft, just ahead of the Lakers’ pick of Julius Randle, Smart had even worked out for the Lakers that year. Now, he’s eager to help them contend for a title.

“I think we stack right up there with the best of them,” Smart said. “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.”

One major factor in his decision to join L.A. was a push from superstar Luka Doncic, who reportedly played a big role in the recruitment.

“When you get a guy like Luka calling… checking on you, trying to see where you’re at, to see if you want to come join something special that he’s trying to cook up over here,” Smart said. “For him to say that he can really use my help, that meant a lot.”

With the Lakers seeking a strong perimeter defender, Smart – the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year – is a natural fit. He’s expected to serve as a backup to both Dončić and Austin Reaves.

Asked what his role will be, the player was clear:

“Just to be me,” Smart said of how he’ll impact the team. “Come in and do what I do and that’s [being] a tenacious defender, just bringing the intensity that I bring, my leadership, my basketball IQ, as well. But just being the pest that I’ve always been.”