Here’s a detailed article on the story:
Marcus Smart Heads West: Lakers to Land Elite Defender After Wizards Buy‑out
Veteran guard Marcus Smart, the 2021–22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, is set to join the Los Angeles Lakers following his buy‑out from the Washington Wizards, according to multiple reports including ESPN and NBA.com (Reuters). Here’s a breakdown of what this move means for Smart, the Lakers, and the broader NBA landscape.
Contract & Terms
- Buy‑out agreement: Smart and the Wizards reached a mutual contract buy‑out on Saturday, officially waiving him (Reuters).
- Projected deal: He’s expected to ink a two‑year, $11 million contract with the Lakers, with a player option for the 2026–27 season (Reuters).
- Mechanics: The deal will tap into LA’s bi‑annual exception, after clearing waivers—makers include Lakers star Luka Dončić personally recruiting Smart (NBA).
What Smart Brings
- Elite perimeter defense
- Smart is one of the premier on-ball defenders in the league—first guard to win Defensive Player of the Year since Gary Payton.
- He’s a three-time All-Defensive First-Team selection and holds a career average of 1.6 steals per game (Wikipedia, Reuters).
- Veteran toughness & playoff experience
- He played first nine seasons with the Celtics, appearing in the Finals in 2022 and making nine straight postseason runs (Reuters).
- His leadership, grit, and playoff pedigree will be invaluable to a Lakers team with championship aspirations.
- Tactical versatility
- At 6′3″ and 220 lbs, Smart can guard multiple positions—boosting LA’s ability to switch defensively (Wikipedia).
- Provides secondary playmaking and spacing when coming off the bench behind the likes of Reaves, Dončić, or LeBron.
⚠️ Potential Red Flags
- Injury history:
- Smart has averaged just 27 games over the last two seasons (20 in 2023–24, 34 in 2024–25), hampered by a recurring finger injury (clutchpoints.com, Reuters).
- The Lakers are banking on his health rebounding—a key concern for depth on a championship team (clutchpoints.com).
- Offensive inconsistency:
- Career shooting splits hover around 38.8% FG and 32.4% 3PT. His role will remain defense-centric (Reuters).
- While capable of sparking scoring bursts, he won’t be expected to lead the offense.
Roster Moves & Fit in LA
- The Lakers plan to waive guard Shake Milton (non‑guaranteed salary) to free a roster spot, and may also move Jordan Goodwin to clear salary space (Silver Screen and Roll).
- Smart’s deal utilizes the bi‑annual exception (~$5.6M), fitting into LA’s tight cap and roster structure (NBA).
- Coaching staff will likely deploy him as a defensive stopper off the bench or in starting lineups alongside Luka and LeBron. His tenacious style pairs well with their offensive firepower.
Why This Matters
- For the Lakers: This is a punchy, low-risk signing that answers a glaring weakness—perimeter defense. It solidifies their “win-now” roster as they chase a championship (Yahoo Sports).
- For Smart: A rejuvenating opportunity to reestablish himself on a major franchise, chasing another title and proving durability (New York Post, NBC Sports).
- For the NBA: The move showcases how savvy teams can use exceptions to enhance key areas without sacrificing long-term flexibility.
Quick Stateless Summary
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Player Name | Marcus Smart (Defensive Player of the Year, versatile guard) |
| Previous Team | Washington Wizards (buy‑out on July 19–20, 2025) |
| New Team | Los Angeles Lakers (two-year, $11 million with player option) |
| Core Role in LA | Perimeter defender, veteran presence, secondary playmaker |
| Fit Concerns | Injury history, offensive limitations |
| Roster Adjustments | Likely replacing Shake Milton; avoid major trade disruption |
Looking Ahead
Once the buy‑out clears waivers, expect an official signing announcement from the Lakers and Smart shortly. Fans will be eager to see how he complements star duo Luka Dončić and LeBron James, especially in tight playoff matchups. If Smart can stay healthy and bring his trademark defensive intensity, he’ll be a major boost for LA’s championship pursuit.
This move adds drama to a fast-paced offseason and sets the stage for a more balanced Lakers squad. Smart’s arrival could be the spark that transforms LA from contenders to champions.
Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of his stats, how he compares to previous Lakers defenders, or predictions on how they’ll deploy him next season.
