The Los Angeles Lakers acquired 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart this offseason to support their 5-time All-NBA First Team selection Luka Dončić on the defensive side of the ball, but the franchise's backcourt depth might need another tune-up.
Smart's best days are admittedly behind him, and his 2025-26 campaign has already gotten off to a less than ideal start after the ex-Boston Celtics staple was ruled out for the Lakers' first preseason game on Friday night against the Phoenix Suns.
As a result, the Lakers' general manager Rob Pelinka could look towards the Eastern Conference for another point guard option, specifically one who is currently fighting for a roster spot with the New York Knicks on a training camp deal. Though it might not appear plausible, the Knicks's Malcolm Brogdon may be an excellent target if he falls out of their plans following the conclusion of camp.
New York's 32-year-old guard played sparingly for the team during their 99-84 rout of the Philadelphia 76ers to kick off the preseason on Thursday, only contributing three points and two assists in 12 minutes of action.
While Brogdon did not assert himself as a go-to option in the contest, other players in a similar spot caught fire.
Specifically, New York's recent training camp pickup Garrison Mathews lit up the 76ers for 9 points while connecting on three of his four attempts from the three-point line. Mathews' impressive performance surely caught the eye of the Knicks' coaching staff and front office, making the idea of keeping Brogdon around somewhat murky.
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If Mathews and other non-guaranteed contract recipients continue to play perfect basketball and further push Brogdon out of the spotlight, he might become a top target for Los Angeles. The Lakers would likely need to open up a spot on the roster for Brogdon by waiving a player or constructing a trade, but his status as one of the more accomplished role players in the NBA could warrant those changes.
After all, Brogdon's shelf of hardware includes the 2017 Rookie of the Year trophy and 2023 Sixth Man of the Year award, and he could still realistically help the Lakers compete for a title in the immediate future.
In just 24 appearances for the Washington Wizards in 2024-25, Brogdon averaged 12.7 points, 4.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds on rough shooting splits, but his career 38.8% three-point percentage still stands as a reason for the Lakers to give the veteran point guard a shot to help the team raise the Larry O'Brien trophy come season's end.
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