There is a well known (albeit mythic) portrayal of this that disagrees with you, putting the lazy-clevers in charge.

https://quoteinvestigator.com/2014/02/28/clever-lazy/?amp=1

I think it requires a certain definition of "lazy" that basically translates to "delegate everything you possibly can" - which we all know can be hard work in itself.

Lazy clevers can be very useful in finding ineffeciencies and automating tasks

IME they are the first people to challenge assumptions about the way things are done, and the least happy with the answer "that's just the way we do it"

Just make sure you review their code.

I would argue any hard working is not clever by definition. But the ones who are otherwise clever but have a blind spot on the hard working part - they are scary. How efficiently and how far they can get into completely wrong and unexpected direction before stopping to think the overall picture can be mindboggling. The hardworking idiots are useful as long as their direction is contained.

Lazy and clever can be very useful; sit around thinking about the potential break-down of a problem into aspects that generalise broadly and those specific to the work being done.

Spend the time that needs to be spent implementing the generalisable aspects, so that the work never needs to be repeated.

Implement the problem specific aspects (with minimal code) against those changes (and if any similar problems come up in the future, the changes can be made in minimal time and with minimal work).

Fun. Not to detract, and as others have said, there are other dimensions. Hardworking clever assholes can be bullies, for example.

I'd also say that very few people are inherently lazy, they're often just demotivated through misalignment of their responsibilities versus interests.