7 steals in a single game? Did the Lakers’ new backcourt player perform at the level expected of the best defensive player?

In the previous NBA regular season, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 121-111. After this game, the Lakers, who have won 5 of the last 6 games, have improved their record to 8-3, and continue to rank 4th in the Western Conference; while the Hornets, who have suffered 3 consecutive losses, have dropped to 3-7, and continue to rank 12th in the Eastern Conference.

In this game, the performance of the Lakers' new starting backcourt player Marcus Smart was very outstanding. Smart played 36 minutes and 35 seconds, shooting 4 of 9 from the field, 3 of 7 from beyond the three-point line, and 2 of 2 free throws. He scored 13 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 7 steals. There were also 3 turnovers and 1 foul. The plus-minus value also reached +15. Smart is also very efficient on the offensive end. He has also found his proper outside shooting touch and scored a lot of points. Smart can also play a certain role in passing and organizing offense. He can also share the pressure on the shoulders of the dual-core. Smart was very reliable on the offensive end and showed a well-rounded role. In addition, Smart's performance on the defensive end is even more phenomenal. He constantly completes steals on the court, his defensive aggressiveness is full, and he also has super defensive prediction ability. Smart played his role very well and made a huge contribution to the team's victory.

In the NBA regular season last season, Smart played 34 times on behalf of the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards, averaging 20 minutes per game. He averaged 9 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game. He also had 1.6 turnovers and 1.6 fouls. He shot 39.3% from the field, 34.8% from the three-point range, and 76.1% from the free throw line. In the previous preseason games, Smart played a total of 2 times, averaging 21.8 minutes per game. He averaged 7 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2 steals per game, as well as 0.5 turnovers and 1 foul. He shot 45.5% from the field, 25% from the three-point range, and 100% from the free throw line. Since the start of this season, Smart has played a total of 9 times in the first 11 games, averaging 28.8 minutes per game, averaging 10 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.3 steals, 0.2 blocks, 2.4 turnovers and 2.9 fouls. He shot 41.8% from the field, 26.3% from the three-point range, and 92.3% from the free throw line.

I have to say that Smart's role after joining the team is really outstanding. Although his performance last season was not ideal, Smart has returned with full blood this season. He can play a decisive role on the defensive end. He has shown the defensive skills that the best defensive player should have. Not only that, Smart can also play some passing and organizational roles on the offensive end. Smart's scoring performance is not stable, and his outside shooting touch also has some room for improvement. But judging from the current situation, he has already played his role in the team very well. The Lakers' ability to achieve such a record despite being short of major generals is closely related to Smart's series of outstanding performances. It looks like the Lakers signing him was an extremely good deal.