Marcus Smart gives ‘toughest’ advice to LA amid 0-1 start to season

Marcus Smart helps Los Angeles The Lakers are not losing confidence after their season-opening loss at the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night.

Smart entered his 12th year in the NBA, his first with the Lakers. He spent most of his current career with the Boston Celtics before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in a multi-team deal during the 2023 offseason. Memphis traded him to the Washington Wizards last season, where he appeared in just 15 contests by the end of the campaign.

Smart joined Los Angeles last offseason, bolstering the depth at guard with experience as a playmaker and defender. He hopes to elevate the team on both sides of the ball, which he is emphasized that the team is strong through the highs and lows of the season as I speak to the media on Thursday.

“The toughest team makes the rules, that’s the motto. I’ve been in this league for 12 years and it’s always been my role model. The team that’s more physical, the momentum goes their way. That’s right, so we want to be the toughest from start to finish,” Smart said, via ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin.

“Toughest team makes the rules, that’s the motto. Marcus Smart reveals his advice to the Lakers on how they should establish physicality night in and night out.” pic.twitter.com/dTT3akKt5B

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 23, 2025

What’s next for Marcus Smart, Lakers

Clearly, Marcus Smart’s experience throughout his career, including multiple playoff runs and one NBA Finals appearance with the Celtics in 2022, will give the Lakers the edge in being a solid unit.

Los Angeles will rely on the production of stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves, while LeBron James remains out until November. In the meantime, they’ll look to Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavi and Smart as reliable pieces in the rotation.

The Lakers have the potential to be a formidable opponent in the Western Conference when all of their best players are available. However, they will need a supporting cast to take the next step in title contention.

The Lakers will continue to prepare for their next match, as they are at home. They host the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 24th at 10:00 PM ET.