One of the biggest acquisitions the Lakers made this season was signing Marcus Smart.

It’s no secret that the Lakers had defensive struggles last season. Yes, a month after the Luka Dončić trade, the team had a 106.9 defensive rating, leading the NBA. However, their form dropped. They ended the season with a defensive rating of 113.8, placing them in the middle of the pack.

In the playoffs, they had trouble with Minnesota’s elite perimeter play and then lost Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency, arguably their best defender, so defensive upgrades were needed.

The Lakers certainly got that done by adding Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year and a player with three First Team All-Defense honors.

Most importantly, though, his new teammates are thrilled to have him on their side. The

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