Date: July 20, 2025
In a blockbuster move that has electrified the NBA landscape, the Los Angeles Lakers have signed veteran guard Marcus Smart, the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, following a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Smart has inked a two-year, $11 million Marcus Smart contract with the Lakers, featuring a player option for the 2026-27 season. This strategic acquisition fortifies the Lakers roster, addressing a critical need for perimeter defense and injecting veteran leadership into a team poised for a championship run. The signing has sparked widespread excitement, positioning the Lakers as a formidable contender in the Western Conference.
A Transformative Addition to the Lakers Roster
The Lakers have been aggressive in reshaping their roster this offseason after a disheartening first-round playoff exit against the Denver Nuggets in 2025. The loss of Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets left a glaring hole in the team’s defensive structure, prompting general manager Rob Pelinka to target a player of Smart’s caliber. The signing of Marcus Smart Lakers is a masterstroke, bringing a three-time All-Defensive First Team honoree and a proven playoff performer to a roster headlined by superstars LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves.
Smart’s acquisition was no coincidence. Reports reveal that Luka Dončić, the Lakers’ All-NBA star, personally contacted Smart to express his enthusiasm for playing alongside the defensive stalwart. This direct outreach underscores the Lakers’ strategy of empowering their stars to shape the roster, a tactic that has historically yielded success for the franchise. The Lakers news of Smart’s signing has ignited optimism among fans and analysts, who view it as a pivotal step toward restoring the team’s defensive identity and championship aspirations.
Marcus Smart’s Journey to Los Angeles
Marcus Smart’s path to the Los Angeles Lakers is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Drafted sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in 2014, Smart spent nine seasons with the franchise, becoming the embodiment of Boston’s gritty, hard-nosed identity. His relentless defense, hustle, and leadership earned him the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year award, making him only the sixth guard in NBA history to claim the honor. Smart’s contributions were pivotal in the Celtics’ 2022 NBA Finals appearance, though they fell to the Golden State Warriors.
In 2023, Smart’s tenure with the Celtics ended in a three-team trade that sent him to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Kristaps Porziņģis. Injuries hampered his time in Memphis, limiting him to just 20 games in the 2023-24 season due to a right index finger injury. The Grizzlies, seeking to shed his $21.6 million contract, traded him to the Washington Wizards at the 2025 trade deadline. In Washington, Smart played a reduced role, appearing in 15 games off the bench and averaging 9.3 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals in 18.7 minutes. Despite his limited minutes, he provided a positive example for the Wizards’ young core, showcasing his signature defensive tenacity.
With the Wizards prioritizing their youth movement, Smart’s expiring $21.6 million contract made him a prime candidate for a buyout. On July 19, 2025, Smart cleared waivers and chose the Lakers over other contenders, including the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns, drawn by the opportunity to compete for a title and Dončić’s personal recruitment efforts.
The Marcus Smart Contract: A Financial Coup
The Marcus Smart contract with the Lakers is a financial masterclass. Valued at $11 million over two years, with a player option for the 2026-27 season, the deal secures an elite defender at a bargain price. To fit Smart’s contract under the first apron of the salary cap, the Lakers are expected to waive guard Shake Milton, whose $3 million contract was set to become fully guaranteed on July 20, 2025. Additionally, waiving Jordan Goodwin, who is on a partially guaranteed contract, could provide further cap flexibility. These moves reflect the Lakers’ prioritization of Smart’s defensive prowess over depth pieces who struggled to make a consistent impact.
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The contract’s structure aligns with the Lakers’ long-term vision. With LeBron James approaching the twilight of his career, the franchise is positioning itself to pair Dončić with another superstar in the 2027 free agency market, with names like Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo floated as potential targets. Smart’s player option for 2026-27 offers him the flexibility to re-enter free agency in a more lucrative market while providing the Lakers with a cost-controlled asset for the immediate future.
Marcus Smart’s Fit with the Lakers
Under head coach J.J. Redick, the Lakers roster is evolving to emphasize defensive versatility and backcourt depth. Smart’s signing addresses both priorities. As a point-of-attack defender, Smart can guard multiple positions, from quick point guards to physical wings. His ability to switch, disrupt passing lanes, and take charges will bolster a Lakers defense that ranked 17th in the league last season, allowing 112.3 points per 100 possessions.
Smart’s fit alongside Dončić, James, and Reaves is seamless. While Dončić and James are elite playmakers, their defensive responsibilities are often limited to preserve energy for offense. Smart’s presence allows the Lakers to deploy a lockdown defender who can take on the opponent’s top perimeter scorer, freeing Dončić and James to focus on their offensive roles. Moreover, Smart’s playmaking ability—averaging 4.6 assists per game during his Celtics tenure—adds another dimension to the backcourt. He can serve as a secondary ball-handler, reducing the playmaking burden on Dončić and Reaves.
The projected starting lineup of Dončić, Smart, Reaves, James, and Deandre Ayton (another recent buyout acquisition) combines size, skill, and defensive intensity. Alternatively, Smart could thrive as a sixth man, leading the second unit with his leadership and hustle. His 39.2% three-point shooting with the Wizards last season, though in a limited sample, suggests he can contribute offensively without demanding a high usage rate.
However, Smart’s injury history poses a challenge. He played only 54 games over the past two seasons, sidelined by injuries including a right index finger issue in 2024-25. The Lakers are banking on their medical staff to keep Smart healthy and effective for at least 65 games and 20-25 minutes per night, as projected. If he can maintain his health, Smart’s impact could be transformative.
Luka Dončić’s Recruitment Role
Luka Dončić’s involvement in recruiting Smart is a defining element of this signing. The All-NBA superstar, who has voiced his ambition to bring championships to Los Angeles, personally reached out to Smart, emphasizing his desire to play alongside the defensive ace. This direct involvement highlights Dončić’s growing influence within the organization and his commitment to building a contending roster. Smart’s defensive tenacity aligns perfectly with Dončić’s vision of a team that excels on both ends of the floor.
Dončić’s recruitment efforts tipped the scales in the Lakers’ favor. Smart held productive discussions with the Bucks and Suns, both seeking to bolster their backcourts, but the opportunity to play alongside Dončić and James in Los Angeles proved too compelling. This move reflects the Lakers’ strategy of empowering their star players to shape the roster, a tactic that has historically paid dividends for the franchise.
Elevating the Lakers’ Championship Prospects
The Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to lofty expectations, and Smart’s signing raises the bar. After finishing with the seventh-best record in the Western Conference in 2024-25, the Lakers are determined to avoid another early playoff exit. Smart’s playoff experience—reaching the postseason in each of his nine seasons with the Celtics—makes him a valuable asset in high-stakes games. His ability to guard elite scorers like Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum, and Kevin Durant will be critical in potential playoff matchups against the Warriors, Celtics, or Suns.
Smart’s intangibles are equally vital. Known for his fiery leadership and willingness to dive for loose balls, Smart embodies the grit and hustle that define championship teams. His presence is expected to set the tone for a Lakers squad that has faced criticism for lacking defensive intensity. As ClutchPoints notes, Smart’s signing earns high marks for addressing a critical need without requiring a trade, a testament to Pelinka’s savvy in navigating a thin free-agent market.
Addressing Risks and Challenges
Despite the excitement surrounding the signing, risks remain. Smart’s durability is a concern, as he played only 54 games over the past two seasons. The Lakers are betting on his ability to stay healthy and recapture the form that made him a defensive juggernaut. Additionally, Smart’s offensive game has never been his strength, with a career 32.3% three-point shooting percentage and 41.8% field goal percentage. His limited scoring ability could strain the Lakers’ offense in lineups lacking shooters.
The decision to waive Shake Milton and potentially Jordan Goodwin also carries implications. Milton, acquired in a December trade with the Nets, averaged 3.9 points in 30 games for the Lakers, while Goodwin was a reliable rotation player during the 2024-25 season. Sacrificing depth for Smart’s upside is a calculated risk, but it leaves the Lakers’ backcourt thinner, relying on unproven players like Bronny James and rookie Dalton Knecht to fill gaps.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
The Lakers news of Smart’s signing has generated a spectrum of reactions. Lakers fans are ecstatic, with many taking to X to express their excitement about Smart’s fit alongside Dončić and James. “Marcus Smart in Purple and Gold is a game-changer. Defense wins championships!” one fan posted. Another wrote, “Luka recruiting Smart? This team is about to be unstoppable!”
Conversely, Boston Celtics fans are grappling with the news. Prominent commentator Bill Simmons, a lifelong Celtics supporter, expressed his dismay on X with a dramatic, “Ahhhhhhh I’ve gone blind! Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!” Smart’s move to the Lakers, a historic rival, is a bitter pill for a fanbase that revered him as a symbol of Boston’s identity. His departure in 2023 was painful, and seeing him in a Lakers jersey amplifies the sting.
Analysts, however, view the move as a shrewd one for the Lakers. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted that Smart’s signing addresses a critical need for point-of-attack defense, while ClutchPoints gave the move a high grade, citing Smart’s potential to spark a career revival in Los Angeles. The Athletic’s league sources emphasized Smart’s positive influence on younger players, suggesting his leadership will benefit the Lakers’ developing talent, such as Knecht and Bronny James.
The Road Ahead for Marcus Smart and the Lakers
As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for the 2025-26 season, Marcus Smart’s role will be pivotal. Whether starting alongside Reaves or anchoring the second unit, his defensive intensity and playoff experience will be invaluable. The Lakers’ offseason, which also includes the additions of Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia, signals a clear intent to compete now while maintaining future flexibility.
For Smart, this move represents a return to the “grand stage” of playoff basketball, as Charania described. After two seasons marred by injuries and limited postseason appearances, Smart has a chance to reestablish himself as one of the NBA’s premier defenders. Playing alongside Dončić and James, he has the opportunity to add to his legacy and potentially earn his first NBA championship.
The Lakers roster now boasts a compelling mix of star power, youth, and veteran grit. With Smart’s signing, the Lakers have addressed a glaring defensive weakness, setting the stage for a potential deep playoff run. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how Smart integrates with his new teammates and whether he can stay healthy to deliver the impact the Lakers expect.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Marcus Smart Lakers is a defining moment in the Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason. By securing a former Defensive Player of the Year at a bargain price, the Lakers have bolstered their roster with a player who embodies toughness, leadership, and defensive excellence. While challenges remain—namely Smart’s injury history and the team’s backcourt depth—the potential rewards far outweigh the risks. With Luka Dončić’s endorsement and LeBron James’ championship pedigree, Smart’s arrival could be the catalyst that propels the Lakers back to contention. As the 2025-26 season looms, the Los Angeles Lakers are poised to make a statement, and Marcus Smart will be at the forefront of their charge.
FAQs
Q: Why did Marcus Smart choose the Lakers over other teams?
A: Marcus Smart chose the Lakers due to their championship aspirations, the opportunity to play alongside Luka Dončić and LeBron James, and Dončić’s personal recruitment efforts. The two-year, $11 million contract with a player option also offered financial flexibility.
Q: How will Marcus Smart fit into the Lakers’ lineup?
A: Smart is expected to serve as a point-of-attack defender, either starting alongside Austin Reaves or leading the second unit as a sixth man. His defensive versatility and playmaking will complement the Lakers’ star-heavy roster.
Q: What roster moves did the Lakers make to sign Marcus Smart?
A: To accommodate Smart’s contract, the Lakers are likely to waive Shake Milton, whose $3 million contract was set to become guaranteed, and possibly Jordan Goodwin, who is on a partially guaranteed deal.
Q: What are the risks associated with signing Marcus Smart?
A: The primary risk is Smart’s injury history, as he played only 54 games over the past two seasons. His offensive limitations could also pose challenges in certain lineups.
Q: How does Marcus Smart’s signing impact the Lakers’ championship chances?
A: Smart’s elite defense and playoff experience significantly boost the Lakers’ chances by addressing their need for a perimeter stopper. If he stays healthy, he could be a key factor in a deep playoff run.
Reference
- ESPN: Marcus Smart Plans to Join Lakers After Wizards Buyout
- The Athletic: Marcus Smart, Wizards Agree to Contract Buyout
- ClutchPoints: Grading Marcus Smart’s $11 Million Lakers Contract
- CBS Sports: Marcus Smart Agrees to Contract Buyout with Wizards
- Silver Screen and Roll: Marcus Smart to Sign with Lakers After Wizards Buyout
- Sporting News: Why Did the Lakers Sign Marcus Smart?
- Bleacher Report: Lakers’ Updated Roster, Salary Cap After Marcus Smart Contract
- The Economic Times: Marcus Smart Joins Lakers After Wizards Buyout
