The Los Angeles Lakers definitely expect Marcus Smart to perform well with his offense in the new season, but they also want to see his custom brand of defense, too.

Speaking to the press, Smart said that he is ready to defend for the Lakers, and he knows it’s one of the main reasons he’s in LA.

“That’s what I came to do, that’s why Luka called me, that’s what JJ wants,” Smart said.

Marcus Smart on how defense will be his main goal on this Lakers team

“That’s what I came to do, that’s why Luka called me, that’s what JJ wants” pic.twitter.com/0xHzphgZDP

— LakeShow Highlights (@LSH_lakeshow) September 29, 2025

Smart has been praised as one of the best defensive guards in the NBA.

In fact, back in 2022, he took home Defensive Player of the Year while he was still playing for the Boston Celtics.

Since then, Smart has moved from the Celtics to the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards.

Smart hasn’t been able to play as much or show just how powerful he can be on defense.

He is coming to the Lakers with hopes that he can remind the rest of the league what he can do.

He knows that some people have written him off, and he hasn’t earned much attention over the last few years, but he is going to use that as motivation.

The Lakers wanted him for a reason, and he was personally requested by Luka Doncic, which is a huge badge of honor.

It’s been a few years since Smart has been seen as a real defensive threat, but he’s prepared to reach new heights.

He is one of the reasons why Lakers fans have grown increasingly excited about 2025-26.

They think the addition of Smart was a very intelligent choice for the team.

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