NBA Eyes Marcus Smart, but Lakers Reluctant to Move Defensive Anchor

The Los Angeles Lakers may be active in trade conversations — but that doesn’t mean they’re eager sellers.

With limited tradable assets compared to other contenders, the Lakers face a delicate balancing act: improve the roster without sacrificing the few pieces that actually hold the defense together. And that tension has placed Marcus Smart squarely in the spotlight.

🧩 Limited Assets Complicate Lakers’ Trade Flexibility

Around the league, executives know the reality.

The Lakers don’t have a deep treasure chest of appealing trade pieces. Rui Hachimura is enjoying one of his best seasons and could draw interest, and LA owns just one future first-round pick it’s allowed to trade.

Beyond that?

Options are thin.

That reality makes any “home-run” deal difficult — unless the front office is willing to consider names it would rather keep.

👀 Marcus Smart Drawing Quiet Interest

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, one such name has already surfaced in conversations.

The Milwaukee Bucks are monitoring Marcus Smart, a player whose defensive mindset fits exactly what contenders crave in the postseason.

“Marcus Smart is another defensive-minded guard the Bucks have previously looked at,” Fischer reported.

“But it’s hard to imagine the Lakers making him available after acquiring him at favorable value via buyout, especially with their ongoing point-of-attack defensive issues.”

That last part is key.

🛡️ Why Marcus Smart Matters So Much to LA

On paper, Smart’s numbers don’t jump off the page:

• 10.3 points per game
• 42.1% FG
• 30.5% from three
• 3.0 assists
• 2.4 rebounds
• 1.6 steals
• 27.2 minutes per game

But Smart has never been about box scores.

Despite missing time with injuries, his on-court impact has been massive. He currently owns the second-best net rating on the team, trailing only Maxi Kleber — who plays far fewer minutes.

For a Lakers squad that struggles against fast guards and elite creators, Smart’s presence stabilizes rotations, reduces mistakes, and raises the team’s defensive floor.

⚖️ The Dilemma: Trade Asset or Defensive Pillar?

Here’s where things get complicated.

Smart’s contract — $5.1 million this season — makes him a tough centerpiece in any blockbuster deal. His salary is simply too low to anchor a trade for a star-level upgrade.

That creates a paradox:

• High basketball value
• Low market value

Any trade involving Smart would likely require multiple role players or creative salary stacking — a risky proposition for a team already thin on depth.

🔍 Why Teams Still Want Him

Even so, interest makes sense.

The Lakers rank among the weaker teams in the conference at point-of-attack defense, and every lineup with Smart shows clearer communication, stronger ball pressure, and better competitive edge.

Letting go of that kind of presence wouldn’t come cheap.

And LA knows it.

🎯 What the Lakers Are Really Chasing

Behind the scenes, the Lakers’ vision remains consistent.

They’re searching for a true 3-and-D wing who brings:

• Perimeter defense
• Speed and athleticism
• Size on the wing
• Reliable three-point shooting

That archetype would elevate the team from “good” to legitimate contender — but acquiring it may require tougher internal decisions than initially expected.

⏳ Trade Deadline Pressure Builds

With the trade market fully open after December 15 and the February 5 deadline approaching, rumors around Smart are only going to grow louder.

The Lakers must decide:

Do they chase a bigger upgrade — or protect the defensive backbone they already have?

That answer will shape how far this team can realistically go — and what price they’re willing to pay to reach that ceiling.