Plenty of people are optimistic and even excited about Marcus Smart joining the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran guard is just three calendar years removed from winning the Defensive Player of the Year award, and he is also a capable ball handler and playmaker who possesses high basketball IQ.
But one legitimate concern surrounding him is his health. He played in just 54 games during the past two seasons due to multiple injuries, including a finger problem and an ankle ailment. His inability to stay healthy lately has led some to believe that he simply isn’t close to the same player he was just a few years ago.
While on the “Sedano & Kap Show” on ESPN 710, Smart said he’s just about ready to go in terms of his health.
“If I had to give a percentage I would say I’m a high-90s. I’ve been dealing with a finger, everybody knows I’ve been dealing with this finger injury. But I’ve been cleared to get back to basketball activities and I’ve been in the gym working and I’m excited to go so we’ll see.”
It is generally expected that Smart, who is 31 years of age, will significantly upgrade L.A.’s perimeter defense, which has been anemic over the last few years. He officially signed a two-year, $11 million contract on Tuesday after he cleared waivers following the buyout of his previous contract with the Washington Wizards.
He has made the All-Defensive first team three times and has career averages of 10.6 points, 4.6 assists and 1.6 steals a game over his 11 seasons in the NBA.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Marcus Smart gives an update on his health issues