Marcus Smart Says Lakers Can 'Stack Right Up' Among Best Teams in Western Conference

After signing with the Los Angeles Lakers following his contract buyout from the Washington Wizards, veteran guard Marcus Smart has high expectations for his new team.

Per Dan Woike of The Athletic, Smart said during his introductory news conference that he feels the Lakers have what it takes to be one of the top contenders in the West in 2025-26.

"I think we stack right up there with the best of them," Smart said. "And I think we can [compete]. Our ceiling is high. I think there’s no ceiling. I think if we all lock in and come and do what we’re supposed to do, we can have a real good shot at it."

Smart is joining a veteran-laden roster in Los Angeles that is led by the star duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic. In addition to signing Smart, the Lakers made other key offseason moves by adding center Deandre Ayton and forward Jake LaRavia.

The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons. However, he expects to be back at full strength in Los Angeles, and he's confident that he's still capable of being a productive player on both ends of the floor.

"Just to be me. Come in and do what I do and that’s a tenacious defender, just bringing the intensity that I bring, my leadership, my basketball IQ as well," Smart said of his role. "But just being the pest that I’ve always been."