Latest news with #DefensivePlayer
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kendrick Perkins says the Lakers signing Marcus Smart is a better move than the Clippers getting Bradley Beal: "The Lakers haven't had a defender like Smart since Alex Caruso"
Kendrick Perkins says the Lakers signing Marcus Smart is a better move than the Clippers getting Bradley Beal: "The Lakers haven't had a defender like Smart since Alex Caruso" originally appeared on Basketball Network. Some people don't think that the Los Angeles Lakers' addition of Marcus Smart actually makes a difference for them. They say that Smart is no longer the player he once was when he played for the Boston Celtics because of the constant injuries he experienced over the last couple of years since he left Boston. Others say that even if he was, he isn't gifted enough offensively to be a game-changer for the Purple and Gold. ESPN's Kendrick Perkins disagrees. According to Big Perk, Smart is a type of player that the Lakers have not had in the last five years and he fills a current need for the Lakers. "The Lakers haven't had a defender like Marcus Smart since Alex Caruso," Perkins said. "Marcus Smart. Former Defensive Player of the Year, a pitbull, a dog, something that not only Luka needs around him, but also a guy like LeBron James." Perk says Smart moves the needle for the Lakers Caruso, who recently won the 2025 NBA title with the OKC Thunder, played for the Lakers from 2017-2021 and was a member of their 2020 championship team. Although he still wasn't the All-Defensive team player that he is today, Caruso was already the same guy who provided the spark and energy off the bench with his defensive brilliance. Meanwhile, Smart was the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time All-Defensive First Team selection, back when he was still playing for the Boston Celtics. However, since Boston traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies in the deal that got them Kristaps Porzingis, Marcus has not looked like the same player again. But Perk insisted with his take. "I don't want to hear this sh-t about that ain't move…that's moving the fu–ing needle. Marcus Smart is moving the needle more for the Lakers than Bradley Beal is moving the needle for the Clippers. And that's facts, because we get caught up with who's scoring the ball," Perkins is still going to be the third option Like Perkins, former Lakers guard Nick Young also doesn't think that Bradley Beal is going to be a needle-mover for the Los Angeles Clippers because, according to Young, he is still going to be the third option there behind Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, so it's not going to be any different from his tenure in Phoenix. "I don't wanna say it's an upgrade, but he's kinda back in the same, similar position. Being the third man once Kawhi comes back. But James (Harden) is more of a point guard. So, definitely he would get the ball," Young said. "I would go there with a chip on my shoulder," he stated. Both the Lakers and Clippers hit the jackpot with Smart and Beal, respectively, especially at the price they got them for. If both can stay healthy, they still have a long way to go with Marcus, aged 31 and Brad, aged 32. But what Perkins is saying is that while Smart may not be a sexy acquisition for the Lake Show, he fits the Lakers just as Beal fits the Clippers, maybe even story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
23-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles training camp: A.J. Brown says he's going to make Cooper DeJean an All-Pro
During the first day of Eagles training camp, star WR A.J. Brown called Cooper DeJean 'All-Pro Coop' and said he's planning to push the Eagles' cornerback this summer. The Eagles drafted Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the first two rounds of last April's NFL draft, and the results were championship-worthy. Philadelphia was 2-2 entering the Week 5 bye, but lost one regular-season game after DeJean was inserted into the lineup in place of Avonte Maddox. The Eagles defeated the Chiefs in Super Bowl 59, and finished the year with both Mitchell and DeJean being finalists for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award. With James Bradberry and Darius Slay departing, DeJean will have an even more critical role in Vic Fangio's defense this season, and he's spent the offseason working out with NFL Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain. During the first day of Eagles training camp, star wide receiver let it be known that he'll be taking the Iron Sharpens Iron approach with the versatile cornerback. DeJean logged 51 tackles (38 solo) as a rookie, including 0.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries across 16 regular-season games in 2024. DeJean's biggest and best moment came in Super Bowl LIX against the Chiefs, when he picked off Patrick Mahomes for a 38-yard interception return for a touchdown on his birthday.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers plan to sign 6-foot-3 former Celtics DPOY, fan favorite guard
The Athletic's Dan Woike recently reported that the Los Angeles Lakers were seeking a defensive-minded contributor to help them take the next step on that end of the floor. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, a former Boston Celtics Defensive Player of the Year and fan favorite guard, plans to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers. 'Marcus Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after clearing waivers,' Charania wrote on X/Twitter Saturday. 'A return to a grand stage for the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.' 'Smart, a three-time All-Defense first team guard, will have a player option on his new Lakers deal to enter a more flush 2026 free agency, sources said. Point of attack defender was a position of need for L.A. as well -- with Luka Doncic recruiting and reaching out to Smart.' Smart is an ideal fit with the Doncic and LeBron-led Lakers. Although the Oklahoma State product's previous two NBA campaigns with the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards were stressful, his track record suggests he can be a high-level asset in the right system. Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp Smart is a physical on-ball defender who has consistently proven he can beat opponents to their preferred destination on the hardwood. The 6-foot-3 guard's championship quest with the Celtics came up short on nine consecutive occasions, but there's no doubt he helped the franchise remain competitive during his near-decade-long stint. The Lakers' offseason should be viewed as a success once Smart officially joins the organization. More NBA:
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Marcus Smart to the Lakers: How will the veteran guard fit with Luka Dončić and LeBron James?
In a twist that will bring smiles to the faces of Lakers fans, former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart plans to sign a two-year deal worth $11 million with Los Angeles, bringing depth to a Lakers team that needs it. Smart, 31, spent nine years with the Boston Celtics carving out a name for himself as one of the league's best, and most physical, defenders. After a disappointing 39-game stint with the Memphis Grizzlies, Smart was acquired at the trade deadline by the Washington Wizards, who have reportedly agreed to a contract buyout. The point guard was scheduled to make over $21 million for the club this season. The fit in Los Angeles Smart isn't the player he once was. He's lost a step, and injuries have ravaged his availability in recent years. However, assuming Smart is asked to play a complementary role and not feature as a high-minute starter, there's a good chance he'll prove enormously helpful to a Lakers team that needs point-of-attack defense. At 6-foot-4 and a sturdy 220 pounds, Smart has historically been able to guard most players, ranging from small point guards to former All-Star power forward Paul Millsap. While that level of defensive fluidity is probably only a memory, his defensive IQ hasn't gone anywhere, and Smart is likely to inject a hefty portion of defensive know-how to the Lakers. Offensively, Smart is a bit of a question mark, as he's frankly always been. He'll take a lot of 3-pointers, but it varies season-to-season whether that's justifiable given his inconsistencies from out there. To Smart's credit, he is fully aware of his limitations and has thus never had a quick trigger. In 11 seasons, he's yet to even crack 6,000 shot attempts, and that's always been an asset of his given how he's hit just 38.8% of his total shots over that span. The fit with Luka Dončić and LeBron James should mesh well defensively, as Smart can rotate onto the best opposing perimeter player. Offensively, there will be questions as to whether or not Dončić will have enough spacing around him, should he see a significant chunk of his minutes with Smart on the floor. A Smart buyout is a loss for Washington The Wizards have a small army of young players, and Smart would have been a strong mentor to have around for this season, especially to give defensive pointers to Bub Carrington and rookie Tre Johnson. It makes sense that Smart wanted to be in a more competitive situation given his age, but the Wizards lost a player who could have made a stark difference behind the scenes. Granted, not having Smart on the roster does mean more minutes for the young players in the organization, which will prove crucial in their continued development. But the veteran's intensity, work ethic and understanding of how to play angles are now qualities the team will have to go without.
New York Times
19-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Marcus Smart, Wizards nearing contract buyout, with Lakers as likely destination: Source
Marcus Smart is working on a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards, and the 31-year-old former NBA Defensive Player of the Year would intend to join the Los Angeles Lakers after he clears waivers, a league source confirmed to The Athletic. Smart is entering the final season of his contract with the Wizards and is due to earn a guaranteed salary of $21.6 million. Advertisement The Wizards traded for Smart last season, and he, by all accounts, provided a positive example to the team's younger players, especially on the defensive end. However, the Wizards wanted to honor Smart's desire to play for a contender and clear more playing time for their large number of perimeter players. That group includes Bub Carrington, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, A.J. Johnson, Tre Johnson, Corey Kispert and C.J. McCollum.
