Patryk Stachowiak
Veteran NBA guard Marcus Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and will sign a two-year, $11 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers after clearing waivers, according to ESPN.
The 31-year-old brings significant defensive prowess to the Lakers, having earned recognition as the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and securing three All-Defensive First Team selections. Although injuries limited Smart to only 54 games over the past two seasons, his reputation as an elite perimeter defender remains intact.
According to insider Shams Charania, Smart’s decision to join the Lakers was strongly influenced by a personal recruiting effort from Lakers superstar Luka Doncic, underscoring the importance the team places on Smart’s two-way capabilities. The deal includes a player option, allowing Smart to test free agency again in 2026.
Luka Doncic. Source: Official newsweek.com
Smart’s addition is expected to significantly bolster the Lakers’ defensive strength and backcourt depth, crucial components for a team with championship aspirations. Throughout his 11-year NBA career, Smart has averaged 10.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, alongside a career steals average of 1.6 per contest.
Smart joined the Wizards from the Memphis Grizzlies midway through last season, appearing in just 15 games. Despite limited playing time, his intensity and leadership on the court continued to be highly valued.
Before brief stints with Memphis and Washington, Smart was a foundational player for the Boston Celtics, who selected him sixth overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. He played nine seasons in Boston, consistently driving the Celtics’ deep playoff runs, including five Eastern Conference Finals appearances and reaching the NBA Finals in 2022.
With Smart now in purple and gold, the Lakers enhance their defensive credentials, setting sights firmly on an extended playoff run.