The Los Angeles Lakers are being urged by analysts and fans alike to explore potential trade opportunities involving two notable players: Marcus Smart from the Memphis Grizzlies and Malcolm Brogdon from the Washington Wizards. With the 2023-24 NBA season fast approaching, the Lakers are once again focused on building a championship-caliber roster around their star duo, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Despite some off-season acquisitions and re-signings, there is growing sentiment that the Lakers need more depth and defensive versatility in their backcourt, which has sparked discussions about Smart and Brogdon.
Marcus Smart, known for his defensive prowess and leadership on the court, was traded to the Grizzlies in a three-team deal during the 2023 offseason after spending the first nine seasons of his career with the Boston Celtics. As a former Defensive Player of the Year, Smart is regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. His intensity, hustle, and ability to guard multiple positions have earned him a reputation as a game-changer on both ends of the floor. Although he has found a new home in Memphis, some believe that Smart’s skill set would make him an ideal fit for the Lakers, particularly given the team’s focus on defense and their need for a reliable guard to complement James and Davis.
Bringing Smart to Los Angeles would not only bolster the Lakers’ defense but also add toughness and leadership to the locker room. Smart has experience playing in high-pressure situations, including multiple deep playoff runs with the Celtics. His ability to make key defensive stops and contribute offensively as a playmaker could elevate the Lakers’ chances in a competitive Western Conference. With his contract running through the 2025-26 season, acquiring Smart would require the Lakers to make significant moves in terms of salary cap space and assets, but his impact could be worth the effort.
Malcolm Brogdon, on the other hand, is another player who has been linked to potential trade discussions involving the Lakers. The veteran guard was traded to the Washington Wizards in the summer of 2023 as part of a larger roster shake-up, but his future with the team remains uncertain. Brogdon is known for his steady, efficient play on both ends of the court. He was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2017 and has since established himself as a consistent scoring threat, a capable ball-handler, and a solid defender.
Brogdon’s versatility would give the Lakers added flexibility in their backcourt. As a player who can score, facilitate, and defend multiple positions, he could thrive alongside the Lakers’ core stars. Brogdon’s ability to create his own shot and distribute the ball could help take some of the offensive burden off James and Davis, especially during crucial moments in games. Health has been a concern for Brogdon in recent years, as he has dealt with various injuries, but when healthy, he is one of the more reliable two-way guards in the league.
However, pursuing either Smart or Brogdon would come with challenges. The Lakers would need to assess the costs of such trades, including which players or draft picks they would have to part with to make the deals happen. Additionally, both players have sizeable contracts that would need to be factored into the Lakers’ salary cap situation. Despite these obstacles, the potential upside of acquiring either player could provide the Lakers with the depth and defensive boost they need to contend in a highly competitive Western Conference.
In conclusion, while the Lakers have made moves this offseason to strengthen their roster, the possibility of trading for Marcus Smart or Malcolm Brogdon could take their team to the next level. Both players would bring valuable skills and experience to the Lakers, making them appealing targets as the team looks to maximize their championship window with LeBron James. Whether the Lakers will pull the trigger on such trades remains to be seen, but the discussions surrounding these two players continue to gain momentum as the season approaches.
