In a surprising yet strategic move, Marcus Smart is heading to the Los Angeles Lakers.
After reaching a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards, the veteran guard has agreed to a two-year, $11 million deal.
The contract includes a player option, allowing Smart to enter free agency again in 2026 if desired.
This signing marks a significant moment in Smart’s career.
It brings the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year back into championship contention.
The Lakers have long sought a reliable point-of-attack defender to replace Dorian Finney-Smith.
Lakers Secure Defensive Powerhouse
Marcus Smart is known across the league for his tough, gritty defense.
He is a three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team member and plays with relentless intensity.
For a Lakers team seeking defensive consistency, Smart fits perfectly into their plans.
His addition is also timely.
Smart has been limited by injuries in recent seasons but is now ready to return to form.
The Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Milwaukee Bucks all expressed strong interest in signing him.
Ultimately, Los Angeles won the race for his signature.
Luka Dončić, who recently joined the Lakers, reportedly reached out to recruit Smart personally.
This indicates how highly respected Smart is around the NBA.
A New Start in Los Angeles
Smart has had a challenging two years since leaving Boston.
Injuries and team changes limited his playing time and visibility on the court.
He averaged just 20 minutes per game in the 2024–25 season, a career low.
However, a fresh start with the Lakers could reignite his momentum.
He enters a team environment that values his leadership and elite defensive skills.
Smart’s experience in nine straight playoff seasons with Boston is also a major asset.
The Lakers plan to waive Shake Milton to make room for Smart.
Milton’s contract was not guaranteed for next season and the team needed a roster spot.
This decision shows how committed the Lakers are to strengthening their defense immediately.
Smart’s Fit in the Lakers Roster
The Lakers struggled defensively at the perimeter last season.
Losing Finney-Smith left them vulnerable to scoring guards and wings.
Smart’s arrival addresses this issue directly and effectively.
He brings not only defense, but also leadership, playmaking, and playoff experience.
Though not a high-volume scorer, Smart contributes in ways stats cannot fully measure.
His toughness and vocal presence will help anchor the Lakers’ locker room.
Expect him to play a key role, especially in high-stakes games.
The Lakers are likely to pair him with Dončić and Anthony Davis for a new big-three formula.
This trio offers a unique blend of offense, defense, and veteran savvy.
A Strategic Move Ahead of 2026 Free Agency
By accepting a player option for year two, Smart keeps his future options open.
If he performs well, he can test the market in a potentially richer 2026 free agent class.
This aligns with a growing trend among veterans maximizing financial flexibility.
For the Lakers, this short-term deal provides immediate help without long-term commitment.
It’s a smart gamble with a high upside, both competitively and financially.
They can reassess the roster after the 2025–26 season with more cap space available.
NBA Teams Wanted Him – Lakers Got Him
Sources confirmed that multiple teams pursued Smart after his buyout approval.
The Phoenix Suns saw him as a backcourt partner to Devin Booker.
The Milwaukee Bucks viewed him as a defensive complement to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
However, Smart and his agent Jason Glushon prioritized fit and opportunity.
The chance to join a historic franchise with playoff ambitions was too good to pass up.
Los Angeles also offers national exposure and a strong development system.
Smart’s choice reinforces the Lakers’ status as a top free agent destination.
The franchise continues to attract experienced, high-IQ players who understand winning culture.
What This Means for the Lakers’ 2025–26 Season
The Lakers are building a team around defense and smart play.
Adding Smart shows they are serious about returning to the NBA Finals.
With Dončić’s playmaking and Davis’s rim protection, Smart completes the defensive triangle.
He will likely start or be the first guard off the bench, depending on matchups.
His flexibility allows him to guard both backcourt positions and even some wings.
Coach Ham will have more options now in terms of rotations and late-game lineups.
If Smart stays healthy, he could be the X-factor the Lakers need in tight playoff games.
His postseason history, including a trip to the 2022 Finals with Boston, speaks volumes.
Final Thoughts
Marcus Smart to the Lakers is more than just another transaction.
It’s a reunion between a playoff-tested guard and the championship stage he deserves.
The Lakers gain a vocal leader, a tenacious defender, and a player hungry to win again.
In a league where perimeter defense is more crucial than ever, this signing makes perfect sense.
Smart will bring grit, heart, and toughness to a team aiming to return to glory.
Lakers fans should be excited — their team just got significantly stronger.