Lakers Sign Former DPOY Marcus Smart to Two-Year Deal
Marcus Smart has reached a buyout with the Washington Wizards and is signing with the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year $11 million deal. The deal also includes a player option for Smart.
Luka reportedly recruited Marcus Smart to the Lakers, per ESPN 👀 pic.twitter.com/FDuAyMwq8E
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) July 19, 2025
The Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns also pursued Smart, but he ultimately chose to sign with the Lakers. Luka Doncic recruited and reached out to Smart during the process.
Smart, the three-time All-Defensive First Team guard, adds much-needed point-of-attack defense to the Lakers.
The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year appeared in 34 games in the 2024-25 season, averaging nine points per game along with 2.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.1 steals. He shot 39.3 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from three.
Lakers wouldn’t have enough apron space to sign a 15th player to start the season if they waive Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin to sign Marcus Smart. https://t.co/nNxAIec2me
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) July 19, 2025
Smart’s point-of-attack defense should fit well alongside Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James. Smart also has playoff experience as he went on many deep playoff runs during his time with the Boston Celtics.
The Lakers are using the full bi-annual exception to sign Smart, which means they will have to clear about $4.2 million in cap space. They could waive Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin to clear the room to sign Smart, but would not have enough apron space to sign a 15th player to the roster.
The Lakers are hard-capped at the first apron, meaning they can not exceed that apron at $195.9 million. This signals a consolidation trade as an ideal solution.
Marcus Smart is a quality addition for the Purple and Gold as he should fit well as a role player alongside the Lakers’ stars.
