Many have criticized the Los Angeles Lakers‘ offseason thus far, which has been headlined by some LeBron James drama.
They whiffed on Brook Lopez and Bradley Beal, who chose to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers over the more renowned LA squad.
It was a long shot, but superstar Damian Lillard chose to return to Portland after Milwaukee shockingly moved on from the All-Star.
The Lakers did, however, add the piece that they needed the most in big man Deandre Ayton, and now they just added another piece who could be a big part of a future championship run.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, point guard Marcus Smart agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and is in the process of signing a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
BREAKING: Marcus Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after clearing waivers, sources tell ESPN. A return to a grand stage for the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/8g9Bxzz11E
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 19, 2025
Marcus Smart To Sign With Los Angeles Lakers
Smart is a great addition to the Lakers’ backcourt as he was the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year. He will be a viable sixth man off the bench, and is still just 31 years old.
Last season, between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Washington Wizards, he averaged 9 points per game while adding 3.2 assists and 2.1 rebounds.
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Smart spent the first nine years of his career out East, with the Lakers’ arch rival, the Boston Celtics. It will certainly be interesting to see him in Purple and Gold, but his defensive specialty will be a welcome addition to JJ Redick’s squad.