Why Marcus Smart Is the Most Important Player on the Lakers (Not Named Luka, Austin or LeBron)

The Lakers played Monday without Marcus Smart, who is day to day with an ankle injury. They lost, and the win streak stopped at nine. Is Smart's absence the reason the Pistons topped LA? Not directly, but as JJ Redick noted after, it played a big role. And the game certainly reinforced the outsized role Smart has in the team's success. He's been a catalyst for their defensive improvement, a big influence on a strong team culture, and playing with him (as opposed to Rui Hachimura) has helped turn the Big Three into a net positive from a net negative. Put it all together, and while it's hard to argue he's as important as those three guys... it's maybe not as big a gap as you might think. Smart is as indispensable to LA's playoff hopes as anyone on the roster. If Deandre Ayton raises the ceiling, Smart prevents the floor from dropping out. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Every...