The Memphis Grizzlies are currently in the bottom half of the Western Conference, but the Lakers may be considering them as they weigh their options ahead of the NBA trade deadline, according to the most recent rumors out of Los Angeles. The Lakers’ interest in the two-way guard was disclosed by Jake Fischer in a report, implying that they are looking for a seasoned, defensive-minded guard.
“Although a number of teams, such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, have reportedly contacted Memphis regarding acquiring defensive mainstay Marcus Smart, sources claim that the Grizzlies have rejected any approaches for the seasoned guard,” Fischer wrote.
Smart is currently off-limits in trade discussions, but this could change in the coming days. As the Grizzlies are currently only interested in winning the lottery, adding Smart to their roster could be the best way to prepare for Ja Morant’s eventual return. He’s exactly the kind of player the Lakers need right now as they fight to salvage the season. It remains to be seen if they can acquire him before the deadline of February 8th, but this season, their desire for improvements in the backcourt has been amply demonstrated.
We can presume that they will be buyers, not sellers, at the 2024 trade deadline now that Rich Paul has put an end to the notion of a LeBron James trade. They’ve been the epitome of mediocrity this season, sitting at 25–25 in the West, and there are currently no signs that things will get better; however, a trade could turn things around. Marcus Smart is a seasoned two-way point guard with a lot of heart and hustle, so it makes sense that the Lakers are keeping an eye on him, but he’s just one of their possible targets.
