Veteran guard Marcus Smart is set to join the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $11 million contract after reaching a buyout agreement with the Washington Wizards, according to a source familiar with the situation. The Wizards have not officially confirmed the buyout.
Smart, known for his defensive skills and versatility, spent nine years with the Boston Celtics, earning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year title in 2022. He was later traded to the Memphis Grizzlies and eventually landed with the Wizards as part of a three-team deal earlier this year.
Despite injury issues over the past two seasons—playing just 54 games in total—Smart remains a valuable defensive presence. He appeared in only 15 games for Washington but is now expected to play a key role with the Lakers, especially on defense, after the team lost Dorian Finney-Smith to free agency.
Smart joins Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia as the Lakers’ major offseason acquisitions. The team is aiming to bounce back after a first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, following a high-profile trade that brought Luka Dončić to Los Angeles.
LeBron James, who recently opted into his $52.6 million contract for a record-setting 23rd NBA season, reportedly expects the team to contend for a championship. The addition of Smart is seen as a move to strengthen the Lakers’ defensive core around James and Dončić.
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