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Offseason Conditioning Fuels Optimism for Marcus Smart's Lakers Debut
22 Jul
Summary
- Marcus Smart's offseason conditioning efforts have impressed the Lakers
- Smart struggled with injuries and conditioning last season, but the Lakers expect a "sleeker version" of him
- Luka Doncic's recruitment efforts played a role in Smart's arrival in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Lakers made a significant addition to their roster this offseason by signing Marcus Smart in free agency. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Smart has been working hard on his physical conditioning this summer, addressing an issue that plagued him during the 2021-22 season.
Last season, Smart's performance as the Defensive Player of the Year was marked by his relentless hustle and tenacity, which was only possible due to his superior physical and mental conditioning. However, he struggled with injuries, playing in only 34 games and seeing a dip in playing time after being traded. This led to a decline in his statistical production.
Now, the Lakers are confident that they will see a "sleeker version" of Smart in the upcoming 2022-23 campaign. This optimism is further bolstered by the fact that Luka Doncic's recruitment efforts were instrumental in bringing Smart to Los Angeles.
The Lakers' acquisition of Smart on a two-year, $11 million deal has already influenced their roster decisions, as they waived Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin to create cap space and a roster spot for the defensive-minded guard. The team is also expected to explore additional trades to further strengthen their roster and support Smart's arrival.
