Smart was brought in to provide toughness, veteran leadership and high-energy play, with hopes he could help stabilize the backcourt and elevate the team’s defensive identity. Through his first three games in Los Angeles, Smart has averaged 7.7 points, 1.0 rebound, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steal per game while shooting 43.8% from the field.

Deni Avdija scored 17 of his 25 points in the first half and Jrue Holiday notched 17 of his 24 in the second half as the Portland Trail Blazers recorded a 122-108 victory over the host Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.