Marcus Smart’s Contract Buyout and Future with the Lakers
In a significant move within the NBA, guard Marcus Smart has reached an agreement with the Washington Wizards for a contract buyout, paving the way for his anticipated signing with the Los Angeles Lakers. As his acquisition approaches, sources have disclosed that Smart intends to finalize a two-year deal valued at $11 million, contingent upon clearing waivers.
Defensive Prowess and Career Flexibility
Smart, renowned for his defensive prowess—having been named the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year and earning three selections to the All-Defense first team—will also have the option to opt out of his contract after the first year. This feature strategically positions him to enter a lucrative free agency period in 2026, offering flexibility for his career.
Interest from the Lakers and Luka Doncic
The Lakers’ interest in Smart has been bolstered by outreach from All-NBA star Luka Doncic, who expressed eagerness to join forces with the versatile defender. This collaboration is particularly significant given Smart’s earlier success in the playoffs during his nine seasons with the Boston Celtics, contrasting sharply with his recent experiences of playing without postseason opportunities during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Wizards.
Injury Challenges and Performance
Moreover, Smart has faced injury challenges that limited him to just 54 games over the past two seasons, with issues affecting his right finger impacting his performance. He posted a career-low average of 20 minutes of play per game in the 2024-25 season, highlighting the importance of his health moving forward.
Competition for Smart’s Skills
The Lakers, alongside serious competitors like the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks, vied for Smart’s skills, with reports indicating that he had meaningful discussions with representatives from these teams. With the recent departure of Dorian Finney-Smith, the Lakers identified a pressing need for a strong point-of-attack defender, making Smart a pivotal addition to their lineup.
