The NBA world has once again been shaken by unexpected news, as Marcus Smart, a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year and long-time heart and soul of the Boston Celtics, has reportedly agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and is planning to sign a two-year, \$11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers once he clears waivers. The report, broken by insider Shams Charania, immediately sent ripples through the league, signaling not just a major move for the Lakers but also the end of a strange, brief chapter in Smart’s career with the Wizards—a team he never even suited up for in a regular season game.
To understand the full impact of this move, we must first examine the trajectory of Marcus Smart’s career. Drafted sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2014 NBA Draft, Smart quickly carved out a reputation as one of the league’s premier defenders, a player whose impact often extended beyond the box score. Over his nine seasons in Boston, Smart was a key pillar of a Celtics team that reached multiple Eastern Conference Finals and came within two games of winning an NBA title in 2022. Known for his grit, leadership, hustle plays, and unrelenting defense, Smart embodied the values of a franchise that prides itself on toughness and tradition.
However, in June 2023, the Celtics made the difficult decision to part ways with Smart in a three-team trade that brought in Kristaps Porziņģis. The move shocked fans and players alike, as Smart had become the de facto emotional leader of the team. His brief tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies was marred by injuries, and he was later traded to the Washington Wizards as part of a salary cap and asset management maneuver. Though the Wizards were initially open to the idea of having a veteran like Smart mentor their young core, it soon became clear that their timelines did not align. With the franchise in full rebuilding mode, and Smart still very much in win-now shape mentally and physically, a mutual agreement to part ways via buyout seemed inevitable.
What makes this situation especially intriguing is where Smart is headed next: the Los Angeles Lakers. The purple and gold, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, have spent the past few seasons frantically searching for the right mix of veteran leadership, defensive toughness, and backcourt consistency to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis. In Marcus Smart, they may have finally found what they’ve been looking for. This move adds a tenacious perimeter defender, vocal leader, and playoff-tested warrior to a team that fell short in the 2024-25 postseason and was clearly lacking in perimeter grit and half-court discipline.
Smart’s decision to sign a two-year deal worth \$11 million is telling. It’s a modest number for a player of his pedigree, suggesting that Smart prioritized winning and role fit over chasing the highest possible salary. This kind of financial sacrifice is becoming more rare in the NBA, and it underscores Smart’s desire to be part of something meaningful. Joining a title contender like the Lakers gives him a platform not only to compete at the highest level but also to redefine the later stages of his career—much like other veteran stars who have transitioned into new roles with championship-caliber squads.
From a basketball standpoint, Smart’s fit with the Lakers is nearly ideal. Over the past few seasons, the Lakers have leaned heavily on LeBron James to handle primary playmaking duties. While LeBron has excelled in that role even into his late 30s, the burden is immense. D’Angelo Russell, though talented, has struggled with consistency, particularly in high-pressure playoff scenarios. Gabe Vincent, brought in last offseason, has battled injuries and shooting woes. Austin Reaves, while a bright spot, still has limitations defensively when asked to guard elite opposing guards. This is where Smart’s value skyrockets.
On defense, Smart instantly upgrades the Lakers’ perimeter toughness. He can guard multiple positions, switch seamlessly on screens, and pester primary ball-handlers into poor decisions. His ability to communicate and direct a defense also helps mask some of the lapses the Lakers have dealt with when anchoring around Davis. While Anthony Davis remains an elite rim protector, the Lakers often suffered when their guards were unable to contain dribble penetration. Smart addresses this issue head-on.
Offensively, Smart’s game is often polarizing. He has been criticized for shot selection and streaky shooting, but in a Lakers system where he won’t be asked to score 15+ points nightly, his strengths—ball movement, secondary playmaking, and timely shot-making—can shine through. When surrounded by capable scorers and efficient floor spacers, Smart becomes a valuable connective tissue type of player. He keeps the offense humming, makes the right reads, and brings the occasional offensive spark without derailing the team’s rhythm.
Perhaps most importantly, Smart brings intangibles that are nearly impossible to quantify. His leadership, accountability, and locker room presence are legendary. Multiple teammates and coaches have spoken about his impact as a motivator and culture-setter. For a Lakers team that has seen its fair share of internal strife and chemistry issues, Smart’s arrival could help stabilize and galvanize the locker room. In fact, one could argue that Smart’s value in Los Angeles will be as much cultural as it is tactical.
For the Wizards, the buyout is a pragmatic decision. They are years away from contending, and allocating minutes to a veteran like Smart would have taken away opportunities from young guards like Bilal Coulibaly and their newly drafted prospects. By allowing Smart to pursue greener pastures, the Wizards not only do right by the player but also open up roster flexibility. Washington is fully embracing the rebuild, and Smart’s departure is simply part of that process.
For Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, this signing could be viewed as a masterstroke—both low-risk and high-reward. By acquiring Smart at a team-friendly price, the Lakers maintain flexibility for future moves while adding a player with the potential to swing playoff series. Smart has proven time and again that he thrives under pressure. He’s hit clutch shots in Game 7s, locked up elite guards in crunch time, and played through injuries without complaint. That kind of toughness and resolve can set the tone for an entire roster.
It’s also worth noting that Smart joins a growing list of veterans who, after years of grinding on other squads, find themselves with the Lakers in the twilight of their careers. Think of players like Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo, and Carmelo Anthony—stars who reinvented themselves in L.A. to chase championships. While Smart is still younger than most of those names when they arrived, the point remains: Los Angeles has become a destination for veteran redemption arcs. And Smart’s story fits perfectly into that tradition.
From a strategic perspective, head coach Darvin Ham will need to make key decisions on how to deploy Smart. Will he start alongside Reaves and LeBron, pushing Russell to a bench role or even making him expendable in a trade? Will Smart serve as a sixth man spark plug, anchoring second units and closing games when defense is needed? The Lakers now have more options—and more importantly, more answers—than they did before.
In terms of fan reaction, the news has been met with overwhelming excitement from Lakers Nation. Many have long admired Smart’s game from afar, even if they once viewed him as a rival. His scrappy style of play, willingness to sacrifice for the team, and intense passion make him a fan favorite wherever he goes. Expect Smart jerseys to fly off the shelves in L.A. and expect him to receive thunderous applause during his first appearance at Crypto.com Arena.
Of course, any signing comes with risks. Smart’s injury history, particularly the oblique and ankle issues that plagued him last season, cannot be ignored. If he fails to stay healthy, the signing could have limited impact. Moreover, his fit within an offense that already includes ball-dominant players will require adjustment and buy-in from all sides. But given Smart’s track record of adapting, sacrificing, and performing, the Lakers are betting that those risks are manageable.
In the broader NBA context, Smart’s move to the Lakers could have ripple effects. Teams like the Suns, Heat, and Mavericks had reportedly been monitoring Smart’s situation, and his decision to choose L.A. may force them to explore other options on the market. For contenders looking to shore up their guard rotation, Smart was one of the most appealing names available. His absence from the market could increase the value of other defensive-minded guards still in free agency or on the trade block.
This signing also reinforces a truth that’s becoming increasingly apparent: championship teams are built as much on chemistry and toughness as they are on talent. In an era of analytics and superstar pairings, the value of role players who bring heart, hustle, and high IQ cannot be overstated. Marcus Smart is a reminder that you don’t have to score 30 points a night to change a game—or a season.
Looking ahead, the Lakers’ rotation will be one of the most watched in the league. With Smart in the mix, the backcourt becomes more versatile, the defense more reliable, and the team more battle-hardened. Training camp and preseason will provide the first real glimpse of how the puzzle pieces fit together. But one thing is already clear: Marcus Smart is not coming to L.A. to blend in. He’s coming to lead, to fight, and to win.
In sum, this deal represents a rare confluence of need, timing, and mutual respect. The Wizards gain future flexibility, Smart finds a home worthy of his tenacity, and the Lakers add a piece that could help push them over the top. For a player who has always prided himself on doing the dirty work, making sacrifices, and putting team above self, this opportunity might be the one that finally rewards him with the championship he’s spent his career chasing. Marcus Smart to the Lakers isn’t just a transaction—it’s a statement. And the rest of the league would be wise to pay attention.
