Marcus Smart Joins Los Angeles Lakers After Buyout Agreement with Washington Wizards
The talented player Marcus Smart has reached an agreement to terminate his contract with the Washington Wizards and plans to sign a two-year, $11 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers once he completes the waiver process, according to sources close to the situation.
Smart, recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and a member of the All-Defense first team on three occasions, will have a player option in his new contract with the Lakers, which will allow him to enter a more favorable free agency in 2026, according to the same sources.
Lakers star Luka Doncic contacted Smart to express his desire to play alongside the outstanding player, underlining the importance of this addition to the team.
This move represents a return to a high-level stage for Smart, who participated in the playoffs in his first nine seasons in the NBA with the Boston Celtics. In the last two seasons, both in Memphis and Washington, he failed to qualify for the postseason.
In the last two seasons, Smart has seen his participation limited to 54 games due to injuries, including a right finger injury suffered last season. In addition, in the 2024-25 season, he averaged 20 minutes per game, his lowest figure in his career.
The Lakers, along with the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks, showed significant interest in Smart, who had authorization to converse with the teams and held positive conversations with the staff of the three teams, according to sources.
Following the loss of Dorian Finney-Smith, the Lakers identified the need to reinforce the perimeter defender position.
