When news broke that Marcus Smart was available in free agency, several teams immediately showed interest. The former Celtics star, a former Defensive Player of the Year, had proven himself a versatile force on both ends of the floor. With averages of 9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists during the 2024-25 season, his impact goes beyond stats. Smart’s defensive leadership had been a key part of Boston’s core, making him an attractive target. His new Lakers teammates will be appreciative of his leadership in the coming season and a hidden trait that his ex-teammate has now revealed.

Former teammate Derrick White shed light on Smart’s unmatched confidence and competitive nature, sharing anecdotes that reveal his personality. “Everybody wants to be confident. Everybody wants to do that. But, like, just kind of reinforcing that. But yeah, confidence is unbelievable. I always thought, when I was teaming up with Marcus, anything he did in life, he believes he’s the best,” White recalled. He described moments like bowling and playing Jenga, where Smart’s self-assurance dominated every scenario. This is more than personality; it’s a mindset that drives results.

White continued, explaining how Smart’s competitive edge appears in everything he does, even in small challenges. “Bro, he’ll grab a bowling ball, he’s at his bowling event he did, he was like, ‘Yeah, I’m the coldest at bowling,’ get a strike, and I’m just like, this is unbelievable. I want that confidence in my life. Or, we’re playing Jenga and he just, like,…‘Just don’t think about it,’ and it hits…and it lands.” White said while laughing in disbelief. Moments like these illustrate Smart’s unshakable belief and the magnetic energy he brings to a team environment.

For the Lakers, Smart’s confidence and leadership could be a transformative factor. His presence allows younger players to see how composure and self-belief influence performance under pressure. With his defensive versatility, Smart strengthens the Lakers’ backcourt while complementing Luka’s offensive brilliance. Smart even taught White a blueprint for winning. In White’s words, “seeing it up close and personal… I’m trying to be more confident in everything.” The Lakers now have a player whose habits could influence team culture and elevate their championship aspirations.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t just the Lakers’ offer that drew him. Luka Doncic personally reached out to recruit him, showing persistence that Smart couldn’t ignore. At first, Smart brushed off Luka’s call. “It first came, I’m working out, and I get a call from my agent saying, ‘Hey, Luka’s reached out.’ I’m like ‘Yeah, whatever,’” he admitted.

But Luka’s insistence didn’t fade. The next attempt convinced Smart to listen: “Another day, same thing, ‘Luka reached out again.’ And now it’s real… and it’s something we need to talk about.” That persistence reflected not just Luka’s respect, but his belief in the kind of player Smart is. The veteran guard couldn’t resist joining a team built around such a competitive star. All that’s left is to wait to see how this translates onto the court.

Why Marcus Smart’s motivation could silence the doubters

Leave it to a guy like Bill Simmons to throw cold water on Marcus Smart’s arrival in Los Angeles. The moment the deal was announced, Simmons jumped on The Bill Simmons Podcast and made his doubts known. He said, “He can’t really shoot threes, and is the kind of guy who is a bad fit with a LeBron [James] and Luka [Doncic] team.” His concern wasn’t just about shooting either. Simmons added that he doesn’t “think his body can handle a nine-month season anymore.”

That kind of skepticism is hard to dismiss. Smart has only played 54 games across the last two years, missing time with ankle and finger issues. Lakers fans have already lived through injury setbacks with Anthony Davis, so the worry feels familiar.

Still, it is Smart’s own words that reveal his true mindset. “I’m very motivated,” he admitted during his introductory press conference with the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2025. “The last two years for me was, in my eyes, a disappointment. Injuries kind of stopped me and held me back. But, like I told my wife and my family, everything happens for a reason.” Smart said.

That honesty shows he is carrying a chip on his shoulder. And according to Smart, he is close to full health again. “If I had to give a percentage I would say I’m a high-90s,” he said. “I’ve been cleared to get back to basketball activities and I’ve been in the gym working and I’m excited to go so we’ll see.” For a Lakers team desperate for a defensive anchor, that is exactly what they want to hear.

If Marcus Smart really is close to 100 percent, Simmons’ doubts might not age well.