The Lakers didn’t just lose in Detroit—they lost their sense of who they are, at least for one night. Their defense wasn’t as sharp, rotations lagged, and the team’s energy felt off. Even though this team is built around stars, it’s clear that one of their most important players isn’t a big name. Marcus Smart’s influence is starting to shape how the Lakers play on both offense and defense.
JJ Redick expressed the Lakers’ need for Marcus Smart.
“Not having Smart tonight killed us.”
It wasn’t just about missing another player—it was about losing the one who keeps the team’s structure together. When a coach says it so directly, it shows just how important Smart is to what the Lakers are building.
JJ Redick on the Lakers’ fight: “We did a good job of just staying with it and got back in the game.” pic.twitter.com/WpST0L6E92
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 24, 2026
The Defensive Backbone They Can’t Replace
Most people talk about Marcus Smart’s defense first, but what he brings to the Lakers goes beyond just stopping players on the perimeter. He organizes the defense, talks to teammates, calls out plays, and puts everyone in the right spot before things even happen. You might not see it in the stats, but you definitely notice when he’s not there.
When Smart isn’t on the court, the Lakers lose more than just his defense—they lose their structure. Rotations aren’t as crisp, closeouts are slower, and mistakes start to add up. The stats show this drop, but you can also see it just by watching. With Smart, the defense looks organized. Without him, it feels scattered and inconsistent.
It’s not only about defending your own matchup. Smart’s job is to make sure all five players work together, and he’s taken on that responsibility.
More Than Just Defense
Smart doesn’t need to control the ball all the time, but he makes good choices when he does have it. He helps start plays, keeps the offense moving, and stops things from turning into one-on-one basketball. With so many stars on the team, his steady play lets everyone else fit into the system more easily.
He’s also improved at hitting open three-pointers, which adds another dimension to his game. Defenders have to respect his shot, so the floor stays spaced and teammates get better chances to drive or shoot. His mix of efficient play and smart passing makes him a great fit for the team.
The Tone Setter
Smart’s impact isn’t always in the stats, but you notice it when you watch the Lakers. He brings more energy to the whole team, and that attitude spreads to everyone on the court. When he’s playing, the Lakers work harder, talk more, and treat every possession like it matters.
That kind of leadership makes a difference during a long game. Players go after loose balls, fight through screens, and play defense with more effort. It’s what separates a team that only sometimes plays hard from one that stays competitive all game.
Earlier this season, the Lakers sometimes played with uneven effort, especially when their stars weren’t locked in. With Smart on the court, the team’s effort level has gone up. He keeps the team focused, and that steady approach is starting to define who they are.
Why This Matters for the Playoffs
During the regular season, teams can sometimes win just by being more talented, even if they aren’t always consistent. In the playoffs, every weakness is exposed and every mistake matters more. That’s when players like Marcus Smart are especially valuable.
The Lakers know what to expect from their stars. The big question is whether the role players can step up when the pressure is on, and Smart is one of the few who does. He gives the team steady defense, keeps everyone organized, and brings the kind of toughness needed in the playoffs.
If the Lakers want to go far in the playoffs, they need Marcus Smart to be more than just available—they need him involved in every part of their game. The Detroit loss proved that when he’s missing, it’s about more than just one player being out. It’s a missing identity.
