0+0+1+0+0! Smart’s Lakers debut! This data is too abstract

On October 15, in the NBA preseason game, the Lakers lost to the Suns 103-113. Doncic and Smart returned for the first time of the season! Doncic started the game for 22 minutes and 23 seconds, shooting 7 of 15, 4 of 8 three-pointers, 7 of 9 free throws, scoring 25 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 turnovers and 3 fouls, with a team-high plus-minus of +11.

Lakers new aid Smart started the game for 20 minutes, took 0 shots, scored 0 points, 0 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks and 2 fouls, with a plus-minus value of -2. Lakers coach Redick said after the game: "Smart played 20 minutes. He should have had at least one shooting opportunity, but some rounds were not ideal, including several passes he shouldn't have made."

Ayton was also paired with Doncic for the first time. He started for 25 minutes and 52 seconds, making 4 of 9 shots, 2 of 2 free throws, 10 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 3 blocks, 2 turnovers and 2 fouls, with a plus-minus value of +3. Ayton said after the game: "Doncic has eyes on the back of his head, which is amazing! I have to observe his eyes carefully while keeping moving quickly."

James suffered sciatica on his right side and will be sidelined for at least 3-4 weeks, missing the opening game on October 22. Four starters for the Lakers' opening game have been confirmed: Doncic, Reeves, Rui Hachimura and Ayton. The other starter will be chosen from Smart, Laravia and Van Der Biao. At present, it seems that Smart has no chance.

Smart was born on March 6, 1994. The original contract was 4 years and 76.48 million US dollars, with 1 year and 21.34 million US dollars remaining. This summer, the Wizards and Smart reached a buyout agreement, and then he joined the Lakers for $11 million in two years. In the 2021-22 season, Smart won the regular season Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY).

Smart has been injured constantly in the past two years. He only played 20 games in the 2023-24 season, averaging 14.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.1 steals and 3.1 turnovers per game, with three shooting percentages: 43%, 31.3%, 76.8%. Played 34 games last season, averaging 9 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.6 turnovers per game. Three shooting percentages: 39.3%, 34.8%, 76.1%.

The season has just begun, and Smart and the Lakers still need to get along. Are you optimistic about his prospects with the Lakers?