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Lakers Eye Marcus Smart to Fill Guard Gap Left by Rui Hachimura After LeBron's Return

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  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. left-by-rui-hachimura-after-lebron-s-return.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 13:27 GMT by Total Pro Sports

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Will Marcus Smart Start Over Rui Hachimura for the Lakers After LeBron James Returns?
Summarized from TotalProSports.com

When the Los Angeles Lakers announced that LeBron James would be back for the season, a new wave of rumors swirled through the NBA front office. Rumors that former Boston Celtics point‑guard Marcus Smart might land in L.A. became the talk of the town, but the Lakers’ roster puzzle left fans and analysts alike wondering if the veteran guard would indeed take the place of forward Rui Hachimura. The article on TotalProSports.com breaks down the latest rumors, the Lakers’ current roster dynamics, and why the return of LeBron could tip the scales in favor of a guard over a forward.

1. The Current Roster Landscape

At the heart of the debate is the Lakers’ need for depth at the guard position. The Lakers have built a team around the star power of LeBron James and superstar point‑guard Russell Westbrook. The guard rotation is already crowded, but LeBron’s return from a hamstring injury in early October has forced the coaching staff to re‑evaluate his role as a primary ball‑handler. With Westbrook stepping back from an elite play‑maker role, the team is looking for someone who can plug the gap, defend, and bring a steady, high‑energy presence.

Rui Hachimura, on the other hand, is a 6‑9 forward who brings a different skill set. He is known for his shooting range and rebounding ability, but his role with the Lakers has been unclear. While Hachimura can stretch the floor and contribute on defense, his fit as a forward on a guard‑heavy roster is uncertain, especially if the Lakers are looking to preserve cap space.

2. Marcus Smart’s NBA Journey and Fit

The article provides a brief rundown of Smart’s journey. A six‑time NBA All‑Defensive selection, Smart has spent the majority of his career with the Boston Celtics before joining the Golden State Warriors, then moving to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In Cleveland, he proved his versatility, providing veteran leadership, defensive tenacity, and a clutch shooting touch from beyond the arc.

Smart’s defensive prowess is especially appealing to the Lakers. The team is looking for a “tough‑as‑nails” defender who can guard the opponent’s best backcourt player in clutch moments. He is also an efficient three‑point shooter and has a solid mid‑range game. These attributes align well with the Lakers’ desire for a player who can slot in immediately and not need extensive development.

The article highlights that Smart has a contract that could fit comfortably under the Lakers’ salary cap. With a guaranteed deal in the ballpark of $6.5 million per year, Smart would not pose a salary cap challenge. This financial flexibility is critical for a team that has already spent heavily on acquisitions like LeBron James (which cost them a 2022 trade deadline haul).

3. Why Rui Hachimura Might Be Overlooked

Rui Hachimura’s role is one of the primary points of comparison in the article. While he offers a unique combination of size and perimeter shooting, he is not primarily a guard. The Lakers’ current rotation emphasizes guard play. With LeBron taking on a more defensive role and Westbrook no longer being the primary ball‑handler, the coaching staff might prioritize a player who can seamlessly blend into a guard‑centric system.

The article also points out that the Lakers have already committed to a 6‑foot, 12‑inch guard, Jrue Holiday, who could be in line to take on a larger role. Hachimura’s potential as a forward might be considered expendable if the Lakers feel they can secure a guard who will contribute more directly to the team's offensive and defensive schemes.

4. The Role of LeBron James

LeBron James’s return has been the catalyst for the entire discussion. The article notes that LeBron has been playing in an “extended bench role” during his injury. Now that he’s back on the court, the Lakers are forced to rethink the guard rotation. With LeBron’s defensive versatility, the team is looking for a complementary guard who can switch onto smaller perimeter defenders.

Moreover, the Lakers’ coaching staff expressed concerns about LeBron’s ball‑handling workload. They want a backup who can take on ball‑handling duties without compromising the offensive rhythm. Smart’s ability to run the offense while also contributing defensively is seen as a direct fit.

5. Financial and Cap Implications

Smart’s rumored contract is reportedly a one‑year, $6.5 million deal. The article mentions that the Lakers have a remaining cap space of roughly $25 million for the next offseason. This gives them the flexibility to pick up Smart without jeopardizing future salary cap situations.

In contrast, Hachimura’s contract is a two‑year, $12.5 million deal (approximately $6.25 million per year). While not a massive financial hurdle, the Lakers are not certain if they can keep a forward under the same conditions if the team’s focus shifts to a guard.

6. Fan Reaction and Speculation

The article quotes several fan reactions on social media, including tweets from Lakers fan pages and Reddit threads. Fans are split between the desire for a veteran guard and the curiosity about a forward who can stretch the floor. Some argue that Hachimura could still be a valuable asset if he’s used in a “stretch‑five” role, while others feel that a guard like Smart would provide the immediate depth needed to protect LeBron.

7. What’s Next for the Lakers?

Finally, the article highlights that the Lakers’ front office is still exploring all options. They have a limited window to sign a guard before the trade deadline, and they will likely weigh the possibility of a trade involving other teams to accommodate Smart. The article points out that the Lakers are also watching the free‑agency market for other defensive-minded guards, but Smart is currently the front‑and‑center rumor.

The Lakers have been in a transition mode. They are balancing the retention of a star guard (LeBron) with the need for an additional reliable guard (Smart). In this context, Hachimura’s position is unclear. The Lakers might keep him if they feel they have enough depth in the frontcourt, or they might let him go to free agency to preserve cap flexibility.

Conclusion

The TotalProSports article paints a clear picture of why Marcus Smart might outshine Rui Hachimura in the Lakers’ current roster puzzle, especially after LeBron James’ return. Smart’s defensive credentials, shooting ability, and financial profile make him a compelling option to plug the guard gap. Meanwhile, Hachimura’s role as a forward could be deemed less vital given the Lakers’ guard‑centric strategy. With the Lakers still on the move in the trade market, the next few weeks will reveal whether Smart, Hachimura, or another veteran will secure the final piece in this puzzle. Fans and analysts alike are watching with interest as the Lakers navigate this delicate balancing act.