Los Angeles Lakers predicted to scoop up Marcus Smart in blockbuster trade

Anytime things go south in a season, it swings open the door for trade rumors. The Memphis Grizzlies hope to steer far away from that in the 2024-25 NBA season.

Considering that last season was a case of “if it rains, it pours” for the franchise with numerous fans, fans are hopeful this year will be the opposite. However, perhaps not everyone is ready to buy into the team.

Will Grind City lose its star guard if things plummet?

With the return of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart, things are looking bright again for the Grizzlies. Together, these three suited up in as many games as you can count on your fingers. And while that is disappointing, it is also uplifting when you consider that the time for this trio to shine has finally arrived (knock on wood).

However, if a similar theme from last season strikes Memphis this season, it’ll force the franchise to make some decisions. Bleacher Report recently offered seven bold predictions for the 2024 campaign. And, no, a Grizzlies championship is (sadly) not on the list.

The publication anticipates things may wind up in a free fall for the team, as Smart is predicted to be a Los Angeles Laker by the end of the year.

Bleacher Report wrote : “Smart is on a Memphis Grizzlies squad that hopes to return to the playoffs, but a disappointing start to the season could lead to changes. The Washington Wizards are rebuilding, and Brogdon is more likely to relocate than Smart.”

If things reach a painful level, it isn’t difficult to picture the former Defensive Player of the Year as one of the first players out of the door, especially if his fit proves clunky in the season's early stages.

The trio of Morant, Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. has been and will continue to be the bedrock of the Grizzlies moving forward. After all, they have proven to win at a high level, with multiple 50-win seasons in their back pockets.

Let’s hope, however, that No. 36 remains put. When healthy, he is one of the league’s premier 3-and-D players and has a winning pedigree after multiple seasons acting as the Boston Celtics’ primary decision-maker on the court.

Last season, the 30-year-old averaged 14.4 points, 4.3 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.0 steals on 43% shooting from the floor, albeit in just 20 regular season games. With a healthy Smart, Memphis has an experienced postseason player who can play well off the ball. His willingness to get his jersey dirty neatly matches the “Grit and Grind” culture of Memphis. Marcus is a key franchise piece that has loaded expectations on its shoulders.

Related: Marcus Smart praises Mavericks' duo of Doncic and Irving