NBA seasoned player Marcus Smart has reportedly come to an understanding for a contract discharge with the Washington Wizards and intends to finalize a two-year, $11 million agreement with the Los Angeles Lakers subsequent to passing through waivers, according to ESPN. The player, 31 years old, who has participated in just 54 games collectively during the last two seasons as a result of physical ailments, contributes a formidable safeguarding skill set to the Lakers.
Smart, recognized as the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time recipient of All-Defensive First Team recognition, possesses a player-initiated option to explore unrestricted agency in 2026, as per insights from Shams Charania, who also indicated Lakers luminary Luka Doncic personally contacted Smart, underscoring his desire to have the versatile stalwart join the squad.
This maneuver is perceived as a noteworthy enhancement for the Lakers’ protective approach and their capabilities in the backcourt, as they aim to accomplish a substantial playoff advancement.
Throughout his 11 seasons in the NBA, Smart has registered averages of 10.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists for each contest, cementing his reputation as an elite perimeter defender within the league. He maintains a career average of 1.6 steals per game.
Smart participated in a mere 15 games for the Wizards after his midseason trade from the Memphis Grizzlies in February. Nevertheless, his resilience and fervor remain highly appreciated.
Smart dedicated the initial nine years of his NBA journey to the Boston Celtics, who selected him as the No. 6 overall choice in the 2014 NBA Draft. He evolved into a foundational component of the franchise’s defense, instrumental in guiding the Celtics to playoff berths annually, which encompassed five appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals and an NBA Finals showing in 2022.
