The Los Angeles Lakers have turned their fortunes around in the NBA offseason by signing former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to a two-year, $11 million deal. Smart, known for his tough perimeter defense and versatility, will help fill the void left by Dorian Finney-Smith's departure. Though plagued by injuries in recent seasons, his defensive tenacity remains highly respected among experts.

Analysts like David Yapkowitz from ClutchPoints awarded the acquisition a B-plus, noting Smart's ability to guard multiple positions effectively. Kevin Pelton of ESPN, however, raised concerns about what version of Smart the Lakers are getting after an inconsistent performance last season with the Memphis Grizzlies. Still, there’s optimism around his potential impact, especially in tight playoff matchups.