In the offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers faced a compelling debate: Rui Hachimura versus Marcus Smart for the coveted final spot in their starting lineup. Initially, Hachimura’s ascendance to join Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton seemed promising. However, a mere 87 minutes of play together revealed a disheartening net rating of -22.4. This grim statistic forced Hachimura into a permanent bench role, underlining a critical flaw in lineup construction.
Now, with the Lakers enjoying improved health—thanks partially to the return of JJ Redick—the question looms: will the second-year coach favor a traditional starter like Jake LaRavia or cement Marcus Smart’s role? Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, has made 37 starts out of 44 games this season, a trend that could be vital as the team gears up for the second half of the season.
Smart’s Case: A Tactical Hedge Against Assumptions
Concerns surrounding Smart largely hinge on health and the unconventional nature of deploying three guards: Smart, Reaves, and Doncic. The apprehension is understandable, yet superficial. The dynamics shift dramatically with Smart’s 6-foot-8 frame, making the collective strength of this trio more feasible. While traditionalists may balk at the notion of running multiple guards, the data indicates a different scenario.
| Metric | Before (Hachimura Lineup) | After (Smart Inclusion) |
|---|---|---|
| Net Rating | -22.4 | 25.9 |
| Offensive Rating | – | 125.3 |
| Defensive Rating | – | 99.5 |
Understanding the Data: Beyond Position Labels
Despite minimal time together—only 12 minutes—Smart, Doncic, and Reaves have displayed an unfavorably low net rating of -11.5. Contrastingly, when evaluated as a three-man unit over a much larger sample (172 minutes), this trio boasted a net rating of 25.9. Their ability to mesh offensively and defensively bolsters the argument for Smart’s prominent role, as their offensive rating of 125.3 and defensive rating of 99.5 indicate synergy that transcends traditional roles.
Broader Context: The Implications of Non-Traditional Lineups
This strategic shift reflects broader trends in basketball. In a league increasingly defined by versatility and a disregard for traditional positional labels, the Lakers’ willingness to embrace a “small ball” mentality is both a tactical innovation and an adaptation to their roster’s strengths. As teams navigate an evolving game, adherence to positional stereotypes becomes a liability.
Localized Impact: Ripples Across Markets
The Lakers’ approach will resonate across basketball markets in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia. In the U.S., teams will consider this model as a potential blueprint for maximizing efficiency. Meanwhile, UK and Canadian teams, increasingly investing in analytics-driven strategies, may seek to replicate similar lineups. Australia, with a growing stake in the NBA, will observe these developments keenly as they consider their own local talent strategies.
Projected Outcomes: What to Watch In The Coming Weeks
- Continued Integration of Smart: Look for Smart to solidify his starting role. His evolving synergy with Doncic and Reaves will be crucial.
- League-Wide Tactical Shifts: The Lakers could spark trends across the league, leading teams to reevaluate their own positional organization.
- Playoff Positioning: As the Lakers seek to secure a playoff spot, Smart’s defensive prowess will be invaluable against high-scoring teams, influencing matchups in critical games.
