Marcus Smart is headed to Los Angeles. After finalizing a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards, the former Defensive Player of the Year is expected to sign with the Lakers on a two-year, $11 million deal that includes a player option for the 2026–27 season.
The decision to join the Lakers came after what league sources described as an active recruiting push by Lakers star Luka Dončić, who played a central role in convincing Smart to make Los Angeles his next stop. NBA insider Marc Stein noted that Dončić’s pitch “particularly resonated with Smart,” who also drew serious interest from both the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks.
“If not for Luka’s involvement, the Suns were very much in the mix,” one source familiar with the situation said.
Lakers Get Defensive Upgrade With Caveats
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The Lakers have been in search of improved point-of-attack defense following the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith. Smart, despite a recent history of injuries, represents an upgrade in that department. Known for his toughness, leadership, and defensive versatility, Smart can guard multiple positions and help mask some of Dončić’s defensive limitations in the backcourt.
“He’s able to beat man coverage… just finds a way to get open,” Dončić said in reference to Smart’s savvy and grit.
Still, Smart arrives with questions. Injuries have limited the 31-year-old to just 35 games over the past season, split between Memphis and Washington. He averaged 9.3 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals in 18.7 minutes per game with the Wizards, showing flashes of his old self in limited minutes.
A Career in Motion
Smart’s journey over the past two seasons has been turbulent. After nine years in Boston, he was dealt to Memphis in the summer of 2023 as part of the Kristaps Porzingis three-team trade. Memphis, dealing with their own injury-riddled season, later moved him to Washington in another three-team deal at the 2025 trade deadline. The Wizards, in a rebuilding phase, added several guards in recent months and ultimately granted Smart permission to explore buyout options.
The Lakers quickly emerged as a frontrunner.
Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Smart and his agent Jason Glushon held discussions with all three interested teams—L.A., Phoenix, and Milwaukee. According to Charania, all three clubs presented strong cases, but the Lakers’ need and the opportunity for a larger role proved decisive.
Suns, Bucks Miss Out Again
For the Suns, Smart’s decision marks a second major buyout miss. Earlier this offseason, Phoenix had pursued Bradley Beal, who instead joined the Clippers. Their front office had hoped to add Smart’s defensive presence and veteran leadership, areas they lacked last season.
The Bucks were also in pursuit, hoping to bolster their guard rotation after moving on from Damian Lillard. But like Phoenix, they were limited in cap flexibility and had no clear pathway to promise Smart the kind of role L.A. could offer.
Lakers Make Cap Room for Full BAE
Los Angeles used its full bi-annual exception to sign Smart, which required careful maneuvering under the league’s first tax apron. The team waived Shake Milton and may need to waive Jordan Goodwin or make a consolidation trade to remain compliant with cap rules.
Despite the financial hurdles, the Lakers’ front office viewed Smart as a worthwhile addition—an affordable, experienced contributor who fits both JJ Redick’s defensive mindset and Dončić’s playmaking orbit.
Health Will Be the Key
If Smart can stay healthy, the Lakers may have landed one of the better value deals in free agency. Though he’s no longer expected to carry an offensive load, he remains one of the league’s most disruptive defenders when on the floor. His presence will allow Dončić to conserve energy on defense and could bring balance to a backcourt that needed it.
“I just want to compete and win,” Smart said shortly after agreeing to the deal. “I’m excited to be part of something that’s building toward that.”
The Lakers are betting that the veteran still has meaningful basketball left—and that Dončić’s belief in him wasn’t misplaced.