In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves throughout the NBA landscape, veteran guard Marcus Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and intends to sign a two-year, \$11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers once he clears waivers. The gritty, defensive-minded Smart, long admired for his toughness and leadership, is now poised to join a Lakers roster desperate for an injection of energy, experience, and championship pedigree as they reload for another run in the ever-brutal Western Conference.
Smart’s decision to part ways with the Wizards comes just months after he was acquired in a trade that sent shockwaves through both the Eastern and Western Conferences. While Washington had hoped to benefit from his veteran presence during a rebuild, it quickly became apparent that Smart, now 30 years old and entering his 11th NBA season, was not a long-term fit for a team deep in developmental mode. Sources close to the situation said the two sides began quietly exploring separation options in early July, and after weeks of discussion, the buyout was finalized earlier this week. With a mutual understanding and respect between Smart and the Washington front office, the deal allows both parties to move forward: the Wizards with a renewed focus on youth and the Lakers with a new vocal leader in their backcourt.
The Lakers, who have been aggressively retooling their roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, see Smart as a critical addition to a team that struggled with perimeter defense, leadership outside of James, and consistency in clutch moments. Smart brings all three in spades. Known for his unrelenting intensity, Smart was the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a heart-and-soul member of the Boston Celtics for nearly a decade before being traded in a multi-team blockbuster that eventually landed Kristaps Porzingis in Boston.
Smart’s resume speaks volumes about the type of presence he will bring to Los Angeles. In ten seasons, he has appeared in 635 games, all with the Celtics and Grizzlies before his short stint in Washington, and has averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. However, his value has always extended far beyond the box score. He’s been called the ultimate glue guy, a coach on the floor, and one of the best perimeter defenders of his generation. Teammates and coaches alike consistently praise his basketball IQ, communication, and willingness to do the dirty work—qualities the Lakers hope will elevate their younger guards like Austin Reaves and Jalen Hood-Schifino while alleviating defensive pressure off LeBron and D’Angelo Russell.
For Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka, the move is a coup. With limited cap space and minimal flexibility due to luxury tax constraints, snagging Smart on a bargain two-year, \$11 million deal is a testament to both the Lakers’ attractiveness as a destination and Smart’s desire to compete for championships. Pelinka, who had emphasized “toughness, accountability, and versatility” in recent offseason comments, likely saw Smart as the embodiment of those qualities. In a backcourt rotation that includes Russell, Reaves, Max Christie, and Gabe Vincent, the addition of Smart gives head coach JJ Redick an elite defensive option capable of guarding one through three, facilitating the offense, and setting the tone with his trademark tenacity.
From Smart’s perspective, the Lakers offer an ideal blend of competitive ambition, role clarity, and cultural fit. After a decade of hard-fought basketball in Boston, a stint derailed by injury in Memphis, and a short-lived chapter in Washington, Smart was eager to land somewhere he could thrive both on and off the court. Los Angeles offers that. With LeBron nearing the end of his illustrious career, Smart’s arrival could signal a shift in the team’s internal leadership structure as well, with Smart potentially serving as the vocal captain the team has sorely needed during stretches of inconsistency. His passion and defensive prowess may also serve to push Davis back into a more assertive, engaged posture, something Lakers fans have clamored for.
NBA insiders say the Lakers had been monitoring Smart’s situation for several weeks, with LeBron James himself reportedly voicing support for adding the veteran guard to the roster. According to league sources, conversations intensified once it became clear that Smart and the Wizards were nearing a buyout. Once the deal was finalized, the Lakers quickly positioned themselves as frontrunners to sign him. While a few other contenders—most notably the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat—expressed interest, Smart’s camp was drawn to the opportunity to join the Lakers’ historic brand, play with LeBron, and compete under the bright lights of Crypto.com Arena.
This move also serves as a symbolic and strategic shift for the Lakers. The 2023-24 season ended in bitter disappointment after a first-round playoff exit, raising serious questions about the team’s direction and ability to contend in a stacked Western Conference. With the Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Thunder surging, the Lakers knew they needed more than incremental improvement—they needed edge. In Marcus Smart, they’ve added a player who has made a career of pushing opponents out of their comfort zones. The Lakers now have one of the league’s most respected enforcers, a player who doesn’t shy away from big moments and often thrives when the pressure is highest.
This acquisition also helps mitigate some of the Lakers’ lingering issues from last season. Their defensive rating hovered in the middle of the league for much of the year, and their inability to contain high-scoring perimeter threats—especially in games against teams like the Warriors, Nuggets, and Mavericks—was a glaring weakness. Smart’s ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt offensive rhythm will be a huge asset. Moreover, his leadership might help unify a locker room that has sometimes struggled with identity during turbulent stretches.
There’s also a deeper emotional narrative at play here. For years, Smart was the spiritual leader of the Celtics, the team the Lakers have historically viewed as their greatest rival. His transformation from green to purple and gold will be surreal for many fans, but it also underscores how business-minded and unpredictable the NBA has become. In a league where former rivals can quickly become allies, Smart’s transition to Los Angeles is another chapter in that ever-evolving story. While some Celtics fans will surely feel a pang of betrayal, most will recognize that Smart gave everything he had to Boston and now deserves the opportunity to chase a championship elsewhere.
The two-year, \$11 million contract also comes with strategic implications. The short-term nature of the deal gives both sides flexibility. If Smart thrives in Los Angeles, he could earn a longer extension or higher payday after two years. For the Lakers, the low cost and short commitment allow them to remain nimble in a cap-sensitive environment, especially as they consider the future beyond LeBron. In a league constantly reshaped by supermax deals and salary cap constraints, Smart’s deal looks like a steal for a team that still sees itself as a championship contender.
As Smart prepares to don the purple and gold, fans in Los Angeles are already buzzing. Social media lit up within minutes of the news breaking, with Lakers supporters expressing excitement about adding such a passionate, hard-nosed competitor. Former players and analysts have also chimed in, with many praising the move as one of the savviest of the offseason. ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins, a former teammate of Smart, called it “exactly what the Lakers needed—grit, leadership, and heart.” Others echoed similar sentiments, noting how Smart’s skill set and mentality complement the Lakers’ roster in ways that go far beyond just stats.
As the Lakers head into training camp, all eyes will be on how Smart integrates into their system and culture. Will he start alongside D’Angelo Russell or come off the bench as a sixth man? Can he stay healthy and regain the physical edge that made him such a force in Boston? Will his presence elevate the Lakers back to legitimate title contention? While those questions will take time to answer, one thing is certain: Marcus Smart’s arrival marks a new era in L.A. basketball. It’s a gamble with upside, a bet on heart and hustle, and a clear signal that the Lakers aren’t content with simply treading water.
In a league constantly in flux, the Marcus Smart signing is one of those rare moves that feels both practical and poetic—a defensive warrior joining one of the league’s most glamorous franchises, a former Celtic turned Laker, a seasoned veteran looking to win now. If it all clicks, the Lakers may have just landed the missing piece in their quest to hang banner No. 18—and in doing so, they’ve reminded the league that Hollywood is never short on drama, surprises, or championship aspirations.
