Marcus Smart Discussion: Welcome To LA

Discussion in 'Lakers Discussion' started by JSM, Jul 19, 2025 at 2:17 PM.

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  1. LakeShowAZ

    LakeShowAZ - Rookie -

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    Always good to have an enforcer on the team

    Make other players think twice about doing dirty stuff
     
    LakeShowAZ, Jul 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM
    #101
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  2. Panko

    Panko - Rookie -

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    I agree with everyone who wants to start Smart over Rui, but it just doesn't seem likely. The FO and JJ wouldn't bench Rui last season even when DFS, Vando, or even Vincent would have made more sense, for similar reasons that people have laid out for Smart.

    Rui seems to play better as a starter also and didn't respond well to being benched 2 years ago. With this being a contract year, they really seem likely to commit to the Rui + Big 3 + Ayton starting lineup. Would look pretty bad to Rui to change it before even trying it.

    That said, I hope I'm wrong (as long as Rui stays effective off the bench), and if not, that they sub in Smart for Rui quickly, like 4 min in or so.
     
    Panko, Jul 22, 2025 at 3:17 PM
    #102
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  3. Weezy

    Weezy Moderator Staff Member

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    I agree that it just doesn’t seem likely for the exact reasons you listed. They seem to want to start him regardless of roster balance, and Rui himself just doesn’t try as much off the bench, plus this is a contract year for him. I do think it would be better to start Smart though, with Rui as the first guy off the bench for LeBron or Luka, the defense just isn’t there with him in the starting lineup. Hopefully they figure it out, I would really hate to lose games because of team politics.
     
    Weezy, Jul 22, 2025 at 3:35 PM
    #103
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  4. Weezy

    Weezy Moderator Staff Member

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    Weezy, Jul 22, 2025 at 3:50 PM
    #104
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  5. Weezy

    Weezy Moderator Staff Member

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    Weezy, Jul 22, 2025 at 3:54 PM
    #105
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  6. LakeShowAZ

    LakeShowAZ - Rookie -

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    Looking for big things from Smart

    If he's truly motivated then it'll be a huge boost to defensive side of the game
     
    LakeShowAZ, Jul 22, 2025 at 4:52 PM
    #106
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  7. abeer3

    abeer3 - Lakers Legend -

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    wait--he ignored luka's first call? that's pretty funny.
     
    abeer3, Jul 22, 2025 at 8:14 PM
    #107
  8. KareemtheGreat33

    KareemtheGreat33 - Lakers Legend -

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    I envision a Dennis Johnson role for him as a starter

    Ayton as The Chief
    LeBron as Cornbread
    Luka as the Hick from French Lick
    AR as the annoying pest who’s face you want to punch
    Smart as DJ
     
    KareemtheGreat33, Jul 22, 2025 at 8:53 PM
    #108
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  9. LTLakerFan

    LTLakerFan - Lakers Legend -

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    :Kobedisbelief:
     
    LTLakerFan, Jul 22, 2025 at 9:15 PM
    #109
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