In a significant move poised to reshape the Los Angeles Lakers’ defensive landscape, veteran guard Marcus Smart has reportedly agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers upon clearing waivers. The agreement includes a player option for Smart, allowing him to potentially re-enter a more robust free agency market in 2026, according to ESPN sources.
The Lakers’ pursuit of Smart underscores their strategic focus on fortifying their perimeter defense. The team had a pressing need for a point-of-attack, wing defender, especially after the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith. Sources indicate that Lakers All-NBA star Luka Doncic actively reached out to Smart, expressing a strong desire to play alongside the two-way stalwart. To facilitate Smart’s arrival, the Lakers plan to waive guard Shake Milton, whose $3 million contract for the upcoming season would have become fully guaranteed on Sunday. Milton, a seven-year veteran, was acquired by the Lakers last December as part of the trade involving Dorian Finney-Smith and D’Angelo Russell, averaging 3.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 30 appearances for Los Angeles.
Smart, 31, brings a decorated defensive resume to the Lakers. He was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, becoming only the sixth guard in NBA history to earn this prestigious award. Additionally, he is a three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection (2019, 2020, 2022) and a three-time NBA Hustle Award winner (2019, 2022, 2023). His career has been marked by consistent playoff appearances, reaching the postseason in each of his first nine seasons with the Boston Celtics, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2022.
This move marks a return to a prominent stage for Smart, who has experienced a challenging period over the past two seasons. After being drafted sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2014 NBA Draft, Smart spent nine seasons with the franchise before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in June 2023 as part of a three-team deal. His tenure with the Grizzlies was brief, as he was then traded to the Washington Wizards in February 2025. Over the last two seasons, Smart has been limited to just 54 games due to various injuries, including a right finger issue, and saw his playing time drop to a career-low 20 minutes per game in the 2024-25 season.
Despite recent injury setbacks, Smart’s impact extends beyond statistics. Known for his relentless hustle, physicality, and high basketball IQ, he has earned nicknames like ‘Cobra’ and ‘Wolverine’ for his tenacious play. He is capable of guarding multiple positions, making him a versatile asset on defense. For the 2024-25 season, across his stints with Memphis and Washington, Smart averaged 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 34 games. His career averages stand at 10.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over 635 regular-season games.
The acquisition of Marcus Smart is a clear statement of intent from the Los Angeles Lakers. By adding a proven defensive anchor and a veteran leader with extensive playoff experience, the Lakers aim to solidify their roster and enhance their championship aspirations in the competitive Western Conference. Smart’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses and provide a vocal presence on the court could be invaluable as the team looks to make a deeper run in the upcoming seasons.
