Enter Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year winner, who gives the Lakers the player and culture-setting leader they’ve been searching for on that end of the floor. The Oklahoma state product is heading into his 12th NBA season, coming off a year in which he played the second-lowest number of games in his career at 34.

After two seasons derailed by injuries, Smart is eyeing a bounce-back with the Lakers: "I think there's no ceiling."

Jan 5, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images