As the 2025 NBA Summer League tips off in Las Vegas, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in an increasingly familiar position: searching for upgrades while watching potential difference-makers land elsewhere. From Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez to Bradley Beal, the Lakers have watched several high-impact players go to rival teams over the past year. These weren’t just stars—they were potential fixes to LA’s glaring defensive issues. Instead, the Lakers now face a shrinking market and a rising urgency to add depth and experience to a roster that remains incomplete.
According to ClutchPoints insider Anthony Irwin, the Lakers are “hoping to reignite trade talks” during Summer League, with one of their targets reportedly being former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. But even Smart, once a centerpiece of Boston’s identity, comes with his own set of concerns—injuries, declining mobility, and a contract that Memphis recently dumped with a first-round pick attached.
Marcus Smart: A Low-Risk Gamble or a Sign of Desperation?
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Now with the Washington Wizards, Smart appears to be headed for the buyout market. His $21 million expiring deal and reduced market value mean the Lakers could acquire him at a relative discount. Still, acquiring Smart is no slam dunk. He played just 34 games last season and hasn’t looked like the elite defender of his Celtics days for a couple of years now.
Should the Lakers choose to pursue him via trade, a package including Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and a 2032 second-round pick has been floated. It’s a low-cost move, but also a gamble. Vincent, while inconsistent, did suit up for 72 games last season and offered valuable rotation minutes. Swapping him for Smart only makes sense if Smart can stay healthy and buy into a defined role as a defensive specialist off the bench.
Other Defensive Options: Payton II and Davion Mitchell
Aside from Smart, the Lakers have also been linked to other backcourt defenders like Gary Payton II and Davion Mitchell. Payton, a free agent, remains one of the league’s most tenacious perimeter defenders. Though injury-prone and 32 years old, his instincts and championship experience with Golden State would bring needed grit to LA’s bench.
Davion Mitchell is another intriguing name. Currently with the Miami Heat and under contract through next season, Mitchell would not be trade-eligible until December due to league restrictions. Nicknamed “Off Night” for his ability to shut down opposing guards, Mitchell would provide elite point-of-attack defense, though his acquisition would require patience.
Defensive Holes, Missed Stars, and an Uncertain Future
The irony of the Lakers’ situation is sharp. Despite prioritizing defense—as reported by The Athletic’s Dan Woike, who notes that “improving the team’s point of attack defense is a priority”—the franchise has consistently come up short on acquiring real difference-makers. Whether due to cap constraints, trade hesitations, or long-term plans focused on the 2027 free agent class, LA has failed to capitalize on the urgency of LeBron James’ closing championship window.
They watched Lillard land in Milwaukee, Lopez stay with the Bucks, and Beal get moved to Phoenix. All would have brought depth, veteran experience, and much-needed balance to LA’s inconsistent roster. Now, with options dwindling and pressure mounting, the Lakers are left weighing calculated risks like Marcus Smart or free-agent flyers like Gary Payton II.
What Comes Next?
Waiving Shake Milton will open a roster spot, and the team is expected to act. But whether it’s via trade or buyout, the Lakers will need more than bargain-bin signings to seriously contend in a deep Western Conference. While role players like Adou Thiero and Jordan Goodwin offer developmental promise, the front office must acknowledge that they’re not enough.
The clock is ticking, and the Lakers know it. With LeBron James still committed—for now—and Luka Doncic playing at a high level, the window to build a contender is not closed yet. But without stronger moves, it may be narrowing faster than LA can keep up with.