NBA figure Marcus Smart has reportedly settled on a contract separation with the Washington Wizards and is expected to finalize a two-year, $11 million agreement with the Los Angeles Lakers once he clears waivers, as reported by ESPN. The player, age 31, whose playing time has been limited to 54 games over the last two seasons due to physical setbacks, will provide a defensive boost to the Lakers.
In a related maneuver, ESPN indicated that the Lakers have released guard Shake Milton, whose $3 million commitment for the 2025-26 season was slated to become fully secured on the upcoming Sunday.
Smart, acknowledged as the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time recipient of All-Defensive First Team honors, possesses a player option to explore free agency in 2026, as per reports from Shams Charania. Charania also noted that Lakers luminary Luka Doncic personally engaged with Smart, conveying his strong desire to have the versatile player join the team.
The acquisition is viewed as a notable enhancement to the Lakers’ defensive capabilities and their guard roster, as they strive to make a substantial impact in the playoffs.
Throughout his 11 NBA campaigns, Smart has recorded averages of 10.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per contest, establishing himself as a prominent perimeter defender in the league. His career average for steals is 1.6 per game.
Smart participated in just 15 contests for the Wizards following a midseason transaction from the Memphis Grizzlies in February. Despite this, his resilient approach and intensity remain highly regarded.
Smart dedicated the initial nine years of his NBA tenure to the Boston Celtics, having been chosen as the No. 6 overall selection in the 2014 NBA Draft. He evolved into a foundational element of the franchise’s defensive strategy, contributing to the Celtics’ consistent playoff appearances, including five trips to the Eastern Conference Finals and a showing in the NBA Finals in 2022.
