Marcus Smart has earned a reputation for being one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA throughout his career so far. The Los Angeles Lakers veteran guard didn’t hesitate to name the two players who inspired him to develop his playstyle.
Smart is going through his 13th year in the NBA, his first with the Lakers. He has continued to shine as a persistent defending, earing recognition among peers over the years to help teams be playoff contenders. This was especially the case in his stints with the Boston Celtics (2014-23) and the Lakers.
Smart took part in an interview on FansView. He answered a question about NBA legends who inspired him on the defensive side of the ball, naming Gary Payton and Scottie Pippen.
“Obviously, I have to go with my guy. GP, right? Gary Payton. The Glove. As a small guard, his tenacity, his ability, you know, to really affect the game really goes underrated, just for a simple fact as defense. We are already at a disadvantage, and we don’t get the credit or the loud credit like we deserve. We do all the little dirty things that allow superstars and all-stars to be superstars and all stars. So Gary Payton for sure, man. Who else? I think that was my biggest one, but Scottie Pippen as well. We know he’s a really good defender, taller, had the height and length, but definitely, those are two guys for sure,” Smart said.
Marcus Smart didn’t become a defensive juggernaut by accident…he studied the masters. 😤
In this @FansView_App sit-down, the Lakers guard gives flowers to legends he learned from.
Legends inspire legends. 💯 pic.twitter.com/KwPlPgcpWx
— LakeShow (@LakeShowCP) May 11, 2026
What lies ahead for Marcus Smart, Lakers
Marcus Smart has enjoyed an incredible career that featured multiple playoff runs, going through his 10th appearance in the postseason.
Smart has embraced starting duties while Luka Doncic is on the sidelines due to injury. He helped the Lakers stun the Houston Rockets in six games, hoping to keep the playoff run going against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinals.
The Lakers will fight to keep their season alive when they host the Thunder in Game 4. The contest takes place on May 11 at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Marcus Smart has earned a reputation for being one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA throughout his career so far. The Los Angeles Lakers veteran guard didn’t hesitate to name the two players who inspired him to develop his playstyle. Smart is going through his 13th year in the NBA, his first with the Lakers.
