Lakers Break their Banking on Marcus Smart and Jared Vanderbilt to Elevate Perimeter Defense…….see more
The Los Angeles Lakers have never shied away from bold moves. Whether it was signing Wilt Chamberlain in the late 1960s, bringing in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 1970s, orchestrating the Magic Johnson and James Worthy dynasty of the 1980s, or convincing LeBron James to don the purple and gold in 2018, the Lakers’ story has always been one of high-stakes gambles.
Now, in the mid-2020s, the Lakers are doubling down once more. But this time, the bet isn’t on a high-scoring superstar or a global icon. Instead, they’re staking their future on defense — specifically, on the shoulders of Marcus Smart and Jared Vanderbilt.
At first glance, it might look unusual. Why would a franchise that has thrived on star power — players like Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson, and LeBron James — pour significant resources into role players known more for hustle, grit, and perimeter defense than highlight-reel offense? The answer lies in the evolving landscape of the NBA, where perimeter defense has become a make-or-break factor in a league increasingly defined by three-point shooting, pace, and versatility.
The Lakers’ decision to “break their banking” on Smart and Vanderbilt signals more than just a roster adjustment; it’s a paradigm shift. The Lakers are betting that controlling the perimeter is the key to extending LeBron James’ career window, maximizing Anthony Davis’ impact, and giving the team a chance to contend against the West’s elite — squads loaded with guards and wings who thrive beyond the arc.
This article explores the full story of that gamble: the players, the strategy, the finances, the risks, and the potential rewards.
The Evolution of the Lakers’ Defensive Identity
The Lakers’ defensive philosophy has shifted dramatically over the decades. In the Showtime era of the 1980s, the focus was on high-octane offense led by Magic Johnson, but defensive anchors like Michael Cooper and Kareem ensured balance. In the early 2000s, Kobe and Shaq’s Lakers relied on big-man dominance, with perimeter defenders like Rick Fox and Derek Fisher playing critical roles in guarding smaller guards.
By the time the 2020 Lakers won the NBA championship, defense was the team’s identity. That squad, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, suffocated opponents with length, rotations, and energy. They were first in defensive rating during the playoffs, stifling the likes of Damian Lillard, James Harden, and eventually Jimmy Butler on their way to a bubble championship.
However, in the years since, the Lakers’ defensive consistency waned. Injuries to Anthony Davis, roster turnover, and the league-wide offensive explosion exposed the Lakers’ inability to defend the perimeter at an elite level. Guards like Stephen Curry, Jamal Murray, Devin Booker, and Luka Dončić repeatedly carved them up. Even when Davis played at his Defensive Player of the Year level in the paint, the lack of consistent on-ball pressure on the perimeter allowed opponents to dictate pace and flow.
That failure to contain guards forced the Lakers’ front office into a difficult realization: if the Lakers wanted to contend again, they couldn’t just rely on AD’s rim protection. They needed elite, relentless perimeter stoppers — players who could pressure the ball, fight over screens, switch seamlessly, and bring energy every single night.
Enter Marcus Smart and Jared Vanderbilt.
Marcus Smart: The Defensive General
Marcus Smart’s arrival in Los Angeles represents more than just a personnel change. It’s a culture shift.
A former Defensive Player of the Year with the Boston Celtics, Smart has long been regarded as one of the fiercest defenders in the league. His combination of physicality, basketball IQ, and fearless energy makes him a nightmare matchup for even the best offensive guards.
Smart’s Defensive Profile:
On-Ball Defense: Smart’s bread and butter is his ability to hound ball-handlers. He gets into their space, uses his strength to absorb contact, and rarely backs down.
Switchability: At 6’3” but built like a linebacker, Smart can guard up to small forwards effectively. He embraces mismatches, often frustrating larger wings with leverage and positioning.
Defensive Playmaking: Smart isn’t just reactive; he creates turnovers. With a career average of over 1.6 steals per game, he anticipates passing lanes and forces chaos.
Leadership and Intangibles: Known as a vocal leader, Smart brings a fire that galvanizes teammates. The Lakers haven’t had a true defensive captain since the days of Derek Fisher and early-career Kobe Bryant.
For the Lakers, Smart fills a glaring void: a defensive guard who can battle the Stephs, Ja Morants, and Kyrie Irvings of the world. He also provides toughness and accountability, something that often fluctuated in the LeBron-era Lakers depending on the roster composition.
Jared Vanderbilt: The Energizer and Versatile Stopper
While Marcus Smart brings defensive pedigree, Jared Vanderbilt represents raw energy and versatility.
At 6’9” with a 7’1” wingspan, Vanderbilt has been a fan favorite since arriving in Los Angeles. He is the kind of player who doesn’t need plays called for him; his value comes from relentless hustle, timely rotations, and ability to guard multiple positions.
Vanderbilt’s Key Strengths:
Perimeter Switch Defense: Unlike many forwards, Vanderbilt is comfortable guarding quick guards on the perimeter. He slides his feet well and uses his length to contest shots.
Rebounding and Hustle: Vanderbilt thrives on second-chance opportunities, offensive rebounds, and diving for loose balls. He gives the Lakers extra possessions.
Complementary Fit: Next to LeBron and AD, Vanderbilt doesn’t need touches. His role is clear: defend, rebound, run, and disrupt.
Though his offensive limitations (inconsistent shooting, limited shot creation) are well known, Vanderbilt’s defensive value can’t be overstated. In a league where versatility is king, he can guard positions 1 through 4, and even hold his own against smaller centers.
The Lakers see Vanderbilt as their defensive glue guy, a modern-day Trevor Ariza or Ron Artest-type presence who thrives in high-stakes games.
Statistical Deep-Dive: Why Perimeter Defense Matters
The Lakers’ investment in Smart and Vanderbilt makes sense when you dive into the numbers.
In the 2023-24 season, the Lakers ranked 18th in opponent three-point percentage. Teams consistently bombed away from outside, exploiting slow rotations and weak closeouts.
Against elite Western guards, the Lakers’ defense struggled: Jamal Murray averaged 26.7 points in a playoff series, while Curry routinely torched them for 30+.
When Vanderbilt was on the floor, the Lakers’ defensive rating improved by nearly 7 points per 100 possessions, showcasing his impact as a disruptor.
Smart, in his final Celtics season, ranked top 5 in charges drawn and was among the league leaders in deflections.
NBA defenses today are judged less by rim protection and more by how effectively they can limit dribble penetration, contest threes, and force uncomfortable decisions. The Lakers’ brain trust believes that Smart and Vanderbilt give them the tools to do just that.
Financial Implications: Banking Big on Defense
The phrase “break their banking” isn’t just metaphorical. The Lakers are truly investing heavily in these players.
Marcus Smart’s contract: Roughly $20 million per year, a significant portion of the salary cap for a guard who isn’t known for offensive fireworks.
Jared Vanderbilt’s extension: While more modest, his deal reflects the Lakers’ commitment to his role as a defensive anchor.
In total, the Lakers are committing upwards of $35–40 million annually to two players whose primary value lies on the defensive end. In a star-driven league where offensive juggernauts often command max deals, this is a calculated gamble.
But the Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, views it as necessary. With LeBron and AD already commanding superstar salaries, the Lakers can’t afford another max-level scorer
. Instead, they’re banking on defense-first players to elevate the whole roster and cover weaknesses.