While some people expect the Los Angeles Lakers to roll out a starting lineup of Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James and Deandre Ayton this season with little or no debate, others believe there is something to haggle about.
There are those who argue that newcomer Marcus Smart should start, and that perhaps Hachimura or even Reaves should be reassigned to the bench. Smart, who was named the Defensive Player of the Year for the 2021-22 season, hasn’t played yet in the preseason due to Achilles tendinopathy, but he’s expected to infuse the team with not only defense but also grit and resourcefulness.
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Smart said just days ago that he doesn’t care if he starts or comes off the bench.
“It does not,” Smart responded at Lakers Media Day when asked if it matters if he starts or not. “I’m here to win, however that means. That’s me. Like I’ve been saying around, no matter whether I start or come off the bench, my presence will be made.”
It is refreshing to hear something like this from a veteran who has the ability to change the complexion of a team. Smart started the majority of his games during his nine seasons with the Boston Celtics, but over the last two seasons, he started in 27 of 54 contests.
One big concern about him possibly starting is his poor 3-point shooting — he has a career mark of 32.4% from 3-point range. But at the same time, if coach JJ Redick could find a way to play around that weakness, Smart would significantly upgrade the perimeter defense of the starting unit while also giving it another ball-handler and facilitator.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Marcus Smart on possibility of him being in starting lineup