Going into the offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers knew they had to improve their perimeter defense and they did so by signing ...

Slated to suit up Friday ...

The Lakers gain confidence as Marcus Smart rebounds with a vintage performance, proving his value ahead of the new season.

Smart produced 14 points (5-11 FG, 2-2 FT, 2-8 3Pt), three rebounds, two assists and four steals across 23 minutes in Friday's 117-116 preseason loss to the Kings.

Marcus Smart is now with the Los Angeles Lakers, a team where he can be a difference-maker, considering he is a top-tier defender when healthy.