Lakers Get Smart In Proposed Trade With Grizzlies

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the busiest teams feeling out the trade market this season. They're looking for, among other things, more perimeter defense, outside shooting, and a big man in the middle.

They've been linked to Marcus Smart of the Memphis Grizzlies, who can certainly help out on the former, bringing his hound dog defensive mentality to the Lakers. He is a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2022).

Bleacher Report's trade proposal:

Lakers receive: Marcus Smart

Grizzlies receive: D'Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2 future 1st-round picks pic.twitter.com/Zb8hypWS8V
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) November 29, 2024

One hypothetic deal proposed by Bleacher Report would look like this:

LA Lakers Receive:

Marcus Smart

Memphis Grizzlies Receive:

D'Angelo Russell
Jalen Hood-Schifino
2 future 1st-round picks

The Lakers, currently at 12-9 and in 9th spot in the Western Conference, would get a big upgrade defensively on the perimeter and in the backcourt, though they'd be losing some offense, as Smart has faded to just 9.2 points per game this season, and under 30% shooting from long distance. D'Lo isn't lighting up the scoreboard himself this season, averaging just 12.5 points, down from his usual 18 per game.

Hood-Schifino won't be back with the Lakers next season, but he's still just 21 and was a first-round pick (17th overall) in 2023, so there's still some potential there for an acquiring team to check out. He's currently playing in the G League after the Lakers decided not to offer him a rookie extension this season.

Would the Grizzlies, however, currently tied for 3rd in the Western Conference at 14-8, want to give up the ghost for this season and trade their top defensive demon in the backcourt for a couple of nice first-round picks in the future?