The Los Angeles Lakers have officially waived veteran guard Shake Milton in a move to clear cap space for the signing of Marcus Smart, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Milton’s $3 million contract for the 2025–26 season was set to become fully guaranteed, but the Lakers acted swiftly, making the decision to part ways before the deadline.
Milton had joined the Lakers midway through last season in the same trade that brought Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets. While Finney-Smith had a more visible impact, Milton never quite found his rhythm in L.A. He played just 11.5 minutes per game over 30 appearances, averaging 3.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting modestly from the floor.
With a logjam at the guard position and limited flexibility, Milton became the obvious casualty in the Lakers’ financial restructuring.
The reason? Marcus Smart.
The Lakers are set to bring in Smart on a two-year, $11 million deal following his buyout from the Washington Wizards. The deal includes a player option for the second year, giving Smart flexibility as he eyes a potentially richer 2026 free agency. According to league insiders, Luka Doncic played a critical role in luring Smart to Los Angeles, personally recruiting the former Defensive Player of the Year.
Smart’s résumé speaks for itself: three-time All-Defensive First Team selection, 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, and one of the NBA’s most tenacious perimeter defenders. He brings exactly what the Lakers need: point-of-attack defense, vocal leadership, and postseason toughness.
With Smart now in the fold, JJ Redick gains a defensive anchor to pair with Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves.
Still, even after waiving Milton, the Lakers may need to make further roster or cap moves to fully finalize Smart’s deal. Sources indicate Jordan Goodwin’s lightly guaranteed contract or a small-scale trade could be the next domino to fall.
For Smart, the decision came down to belief in the Lakers’ vision and in Luka Doncic. Despite reported interest from playoff contenders like the Suns and Bucks, Smart ultimately chose the Lakers, seeing opportunity both on the court and in the locker room.
With Shake Milton out and Marcus Smart in, the Lakers have made a quiet but pivotal upgrade, one that could pay dividends deep into the playoffs.
