Marcus Smart primed to thrive under L.A.’s brightest lights

Portland Trail Blazers v Washington Wizards | Scott Taetsch/GettyImagesMarcus Smart did not sign with the Los Angeles Lakers just to fill a roster spot. He signed with a city, and a franchise that demands intensity, accountability, and star-level grit.

The veteran guard experienced two frustrating, injury-plagued seasons that saw him shuffled from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Washington Wizards. Smart now lands where he belongs, which is under the brightest lights, with everything on the line.

The 31-year-old guard agreed to a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers after securing a buyout with the Wizards. Los Angeles immediately cleared space, waiving Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin, a…