Marcus Smart gives the Los Angeles Lakers a much-needed defensive identity, but he unfortunately can’t carry the entire defensive load alone. This is especially true with his recent injury history.
If the Lakers want to keep him healthy for the long haul, they need another defensive stopper in the mix. That is why they should take a hard, long look at Gary Payton II.
Payton is a forgotten free agent that could be a defensive lifesaver
Still sitting in free agency, Payton is exactly the kind of rotation piece who could take pressure off Smart from day one.