Lakers Predicted to Start Newcomer Over Rui Hachimura
An anonymous NBA scout has some interesting thoughts on who the Los Angeles Lakers should include in their starting lineup next season. As NBA superstar LeBron James enters his age-41 season, time is running out for this version of the Lakers. Alongside James, Luka Donĉić, the centerpiece of maybe the biggest trade in NBA history, should star. Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and 2025 free agent signee Deandre Ayton are widely expected to round out the starting lineup.
But according to Lakers Daily, at least one NBA scout thinks offseason acquisition Marcus Smart should be the fifth starter for the Lakers, instead of Hachimura. “[Lakers head coach] JJ [Redick] should start Marcus [Smart] over Rui [Hachimura],” the NBA scout said. “They need a point-of-attack defender in the starting lineup and they won’t have one if they start Luka, Austin, Rui, LeBron and Ayton. I would start Marcus over Rui.”
The scout continued: “Rui would absolutely feast on offense playing against bench players, and Marcus can guard guys like [Anthony Edwards], [Gilgeous-Alexander], [Stephen Curry] so Luka, Austin and LeBron don’t have to and can focus on offense.”
Marcus Smart is One of the Best Defenders in the NBA
Scott Taetsch/GettyWASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 31: Marcus Smart #36 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket against the Miami Heat during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2025 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
It’s been a few years, but let’s not forget that Smart was, at one time, the best perimeter defender in the association, bar none. He won NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, anchoring a stifling Boston Celtics’ defense. If the Lakers need a premier defender on the wing, they have one in Smart.
Smart played for the Grizzlies and Wizards last season after being traded at the deadline. His tenure in Memphis did not go well, as the Grizzlies initially traded a first-round pick to acquire him in 2023, hoping he’d be their missing piece between Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. It didn’t work out for Smart in Memphis, and he spent much of his time in Memphis missing games due to injury. The team had to spend another first-round pick to offload his contract at the deadline.
Still, Donĉić, Reaves, and Hachimura aren’t known for their defense. It’s too much to expect Smart to regain his Defensive Player of the Year form, but if he can stay healthy in Los Angeles, he’s still a capable defender at worst, and could potentially be much better than just that.
Pressure Mounts on the Lakers to Win Now
Rumors continue to swirl that this could be James’ last season before he retires — rumors, it should be noted, he’s done little to quash. If that is so, the Lakers would do well to make a serious title run while they still have arguably the greatest player in the history of the sport still on the roster. Their future is well in-hand with Donĉić, but he and James together could be something special.
The NBA’s Western Conference is absolutely loaded this year, with the Thunder, Timberwolves, Nuggets, Rockets, Grizzlies, Warriors, Clippers, Mavericks, and Spurs all entering the year with high expectations. If the Lakers want to compete in that group, they’ll need to play defense. And Smart might be their best defender.
