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The Lakers are used to poaching the former Celtic defender, and Pelinka focuses on finding bargains. The two players have won the championship with the team

9:52pm, 20 July 2025【Basketball】

Although the Lakers' management is average overall, due to the advantages of the stars and Los Angeles, the Lakers are really strong in the buyout market. Sure enough, after winning Smart, the Lakers improved their defensive level and lineup depth. Even if Smart's condition or attendance rate is average, considering his salary, there will not be too much risk.

After confirming Smart's joining, some media posted a picture, teasing the Lakers' habit of poaching the former Celtic defender. Because in the past few years, including Smart, the Lakers have introduced four backcourt players who have played for the Celtics, including Rondo, Thomas Jr., Bradley and Smart. General Manager Pelinka focuses on finding bargains. When these players joined the Lakers, the market was not particularly good, and they were even at the lowest point in their careers.

Two of the players were in the Lakers and once won the championship with the team. Rondo is naturally the most typical. During his rookie contract, he won the championship ring at the Celtics. After that, Rondo also showed value in many teams, but he did not stay in the team for a long time. After he transferred to the Lakers in the 18-19 season, the biggest highlight was that he punched Paul. However, as a substitute point guard in the 19-20 season, Rondo still performed well. He provided obvious help in organizing the pass and control and overall situation, and also helped the Lakers win the championship. There are some differences between

Bradley, who is younger than Rondo, has failed to win the Celtics. Of course, when joining the Lakers, Bradley was a pretty good 3D defender. That year, James was the main controller, and he and Danny Green were responsible for the wing defense. The Lakers ranked first in the Western Conference in the regular season. However, for well-known reasons, the playoffs were concentrated in the Orlando campus that year, but Bradley refused to play, which undoubtedly weakened the Lakers' combat effectiveness. But Pope, who replaced him, became a big surprise. The Lakers finally won the championship without any danger, and Bradley also got a ring.

Thomas Jr.'s experience is particularly regrettable. He has been selected as the All-Star twice, and is even the number one point guard in the Eastern Conference. He dared to refuse the contract renewal issued by the Celtics. However, unexpected events occurred. After Thomas Jr. was sent away by the Celtics, he fell rapidly due to injuries. Not to mention fighting for a generous contract, he began his wandering journey. Each contract is basically a basic salary. He is also a typical passerby in the Lakers, but later he simply lost his job for a long time.