The Los Angeles Lakers made a move in the offseason to shore up their depth at point guard, bringing in longtime Celitcs guard and former Defensive Player of the Year winner Marcus Smart. Many believed that the Lakers front office was urged by Luka Doncic to do this, as Doncic has been vocal in the past about Smart being one of the toughest defenders that he's ever faced.
That said, it was Smart who was happy to be on a team with LeBron James, after the two battled for many years in the Eastern Conference as members of the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers respectively. When asked about now having James as a teammate, Smart echoed a grateful response. "To be able to learn and pick his brain and be on the court with him and reading him on the court, it definitely feels different. It feels good to play with another guy who can think the game just as quickly as I can, and understands it more than I do."
Smart has excelled on the defensive end this season, averaging two steals per game, the second highest single season mark of his career. He's also been a serviceable scorer, averaging 9.8 points in 12 games played thus far.
With LeBron having just returned from injury, the two will be able to share the court once more, but this time as teammates.
Los Angeles returns to action on Sunday, facing the Utah Jazz once again.
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