Marcus Smart has faced LeBron James numerous times, often finding himself at a disadvantage defensively as LeBron performed well against him. Smart expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Lakers, acknowledging the profound opportunity to play with one of basketball's greatest players. The Lakers value Smart's defensive abilities and experience, choosing to waive players like Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin to secure his role. Smart's past success in adapting his game to elevate teammates is seen as a pivotal factor in his transition to the Lakers and their championship aspirations.
"It's not every day you get to play against, let alone with, one of the greatest players to ever play this game. We all know his IQ of this game is ridiculous and playing against him you see it tenfold. To be able to be on the other side to witness it and benefit from it instead of him taking me out with it on the defensive end, just to be able to soak it all in like a sponge is an opportunity I'm blessed to have."
Smart sharing the floor with James gives the Lakers tremendous size, the defensive switching head coach JJ Redick relishes and another experienced player who knows what it takes to play championship-level basketball.
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