Smart adds grit, defense, and playmaking, likely lifting steals and 3-pointers while offering secondary ball-handling. Fantasy value hinges on his rotation share and whether he supplants some scoring-heavy usage. His arrival could stabilize late-season defensive metrics and provide a reliable streaming option for steals and threes.

Smart arrives as a versatile guard who can defend, create, and shoot. His presence adds toughness and playmaking, potentially lifting the Lakers’ depth while compressing rotation margins. In fantasy, Smart’s all-around impact may hinge on minutes and shooting efficiency.

Marcus Smart brings elite perimeter defense and positional versatility to the Lakers, addressing a major weakness from last season. In a starter role, he would guard top wings and handle point-of-attack duties, easing LeBron and Reaves on that end while Ayton anchors the back line. The trade-off is spacing, as Smart’s 3-point shooting has cooled to the mid-30s range at best, requiring careful lineup design to preserve floor balance.

Smart’s defensive swagger and playmaking versatility spark questions about his role as a starter or a sixth man. If he starts, expect a boost in steals, assists, and defensive pressure; if he comes off the bench, his leadership and energy could anchor the second unit. Fantasy upside hinges on minutes and whether his health holds steady.

Smart’s two-year deal adds defensive edge, playmaking, and a floor leader to the Lakers’ revamped core. His addition elevates guard defense and ball pressure, potentially pushing LeBron into more off-ball spots and easing Reaves’ workload. Fantasy wise, Smart’s multi-category contributions—steals, assists, threes—could stabilize nightly floors and boost defensive metrics.