Smart Play: Marcus Smart Joins Lakers After Wizards Buyout — Watch on MayaPlay!
Marcus Smart heads to the Lakers after a Warriors-style buyout from the Wizards. Explore what this means for L.A., reactions from the basketball world, and catch his debut on MayaPlay.
After clearing waivers from a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards, Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart has signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers—and you can catch all the action on MayaPlay.
Deal Details & Player Option
Smart, 31, agreed to a two-year, $11M contract using the Lakers’ bi-annual exception, after vacating roughly $6.8M in his buyout — clearly showing serious intent to suit up in L.A.
His deal reportedly includes a player option for 2026–27, giving him flexibility, while the Lakers solidify their defensive backcourt alongside LeBron James and newcomer Luka Dončić.
Why L.A. Pulled the Trigger
- Elite defender: Smart earned DPoY in 2022, and is a three-time All-Defense First Team pick.
- Veteran experience: Over 11 NBA seasons, including deep playoff runs and NBA Finals appearances.
- Team chemistry: Dončić personally recruited Smart, calling him to build the Lakers’ new competitive core.
- Cap space shrewdness: L.A. waived Shake Milton (and possibly Jordan Goodwin) to make room under the apron—clear evidence they’re prioritizing defense.
Smart on Joining L.A.
“My role is to just bring tenacious defense, intensity, leadership… be the pest I’ve always been,” Smart said at his introductory presser, emphasizing his readiness to bolster the Lakers perimeter.
He also highlighted the influence of Luka Doncic, noting, “When you get a guy like Luka calling… it meant a lot”
What’s Next for the Lakers?
With Smart, LeBron, Luka, Deandre Ayton, and Jake LaRavia onboard, L.A. is positioning itself for a serious playoff push. The core now adds a playoff-tested perimeter stopper with championship pedigree.
How this restructured roster measures up in the deep Western Conference remains one of the NBA’s most intriguing storylines heading into the season.
Catch Smart (and More) on MayaPlay
Want a front-row seat to Smart’s Lakers debut—or relive his best defensive knife-ins and lockdown plays? Stream the full L.A. introduction, interviews, and upcoming season action on MayaPlay’s NBA section.
Final Take: A Smart Move for L.A. Legacy
This isn’t just a signing—it’s a statement. With Marcus Smart’s championship DNA, defensive acumen, and leadership, the Lakers are signaling contender status. Whether his veteran presence helps catapult them past the first round remains to be seen—but the buzz is real. And you won’t miss a step on MayaPlay.
