The Lakers just landed one of the toughest defenders in the league. According to multiple reports, Marcus Smart intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after agreeing to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards. The move gives L.A. a major boost on the defensive end, adding a former Defensive Player of the Year with playoff experience and a reputation for grit. Smart chose the Lakers over other serious contenders—including the Suns and Bucks—with Luka Doncic reportedly playing a direct role in recruiting him to Los Angeles.
“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 after clearing waivers,” wrote Shams Charania on X. “Smart, a three-time All-Defense first team guard, will have a player option on his new Lakers deal to enter a more flush 2026 free agency, sources said. Point of attack defender was a position of need for L.A. as well — with Luka Doncic recruiting and reaching out to Smart.”
Smart, 31, is one of the best perimeter backcourt defenders in the NBA. With career averages of 10.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, he’s a reliable role player who makes a positive impact on the court. After tenures with the Celtics, Grizzlies, and Wizards, Marcus gained a reputation for being a high-effort athlete with an insatiable desire to win.
After being traded to the Wizards last season, Smart secured his release via buyout, and now he’s headed to Los Angeles for a partnership with LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Amid all the recent changes to their situation, the Lakers desperately needed a defensive-minded guard who could guard the point of attack.
Smart fills that hole now in the absence of veterans like Dennis Schroder and D’Angelo Russell. He brings championship pedigree, toughness, and leadership to the locker room with a resume that is sure to command respect among his peers.
Clearly, his reputation was enough to earn the attention of Luka Doncic, who personally recruited Marcus to the franchise. Even though he’s still just a few months in with his new team, he’s clearly in control as the Lakers build around his vision and voice. For the Lakers, building around Luka’s strengths is clearly the fastest track back to contention.
As a two-way guard with impressive accolades, it’s no surprise that Smart had multiple suitors this summer. Besides the Lakers, the Suns and Bucks also spoke with Smart, and he likely strongly considered signing with one of them. In the end, however, fortunate timing helped the Lakers pull this off as they had money, roster flexibility, and the Doncic pitch working in their favor.
As they currently stand, the Lakers will not be the favorites to come out of the West, but they have a team that can go deep into the playoffs. Before today, they already had enough star power and depth to challenge the NBA elites. But now, with a former lottery pick and Defensive Player of the Year on their team, they could be poised to shock the world in an iconic way.
The Lakers may not be title favorites just yet, but this move inches them closer. With LeBron James still defying time, Luka Doncic entering his prime, and Marcus Smart now anchoring the perimeter defense, L.A. has built a roster with both edge and experience. If chemistry clicks, they won’t just be dangerous—they’ll be a legitimate threat to win it all.
