We're tired of hearing people talk s---, basically," Smart told ESPN. "I know I am. And if you're a competitor, if you have any type of competitor in you, you're going to be tired of that too. So you want to try to prove 'em wrong." “I hear the noise… and I’m using it as fuel.” DESPITE PLAYING 56 games for the Lakers so far, and leading them with a team-best plus-minus of plus-209, the most consequential shot of Smart's career in L.A. still came as a visitor.
To be honest, I love Smart being on this team but I also think the Lakers are also a perfect fit for him. Luka, LeBron, and Reaves are so good on offense that Smart just has to be the guy who focuses solely on defense. His offensive mishaps, which there are some, are covered by how great those three are offensively and because we just need Smart to be a menace on the defensive end, the Lakers are willing to live with his poor offense. This is a relatively down year for Smart compared to his career. At his prime, he was making around $12 million. At his age and how he's in a team that is also beneficial to his game, I think $5-8 million is right around what he is worth. I'm not sure many teams would be willing to pay more for that and he isn't exactly going to be a great fit for them the way he is with the Lakers.
i don't think anyone is giving him full mle, so if he opted out, it would be to get a longer deal, imo. we might be able to find a compromise with three-year deal with a PO at a slight raise? or also...and hear me out on this...hot dog stand. only half kidding.
