The Lakers’ search for a point of attack defender took them to a perhaps unexpected place.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Lakers will reportedly sign Marcus Smart to a two-year, $11 million deal following a contract buyout with the Wizards. Smart was set to earn $21.5 million this season.
Notably, Charania also reports that Luka Dončić helped recruit Smart.
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,
ADsources said. Point of attack defender was a position of need for L.A. as well -- with Luka Doncic recruiting and reaching out to Smart. https://t.co/POZfSea5sU
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 19, 2025
The Lakers will need to execute additional moves to make this deal happen. Right now, they are just below the first apron, which is a hard cap for them this season after using the mid-level exception.
Waiving Shake Milton, who is on a non-guaranteed deal, helps open up some money, but not enough. The simplest path is to also waive Jordan Goodwin, who also has a non-guaranteed contract.
Goodwin, though, was a solid piece of the rotation last season even into the playoffs, so waiving his small cap hit would be a tough blow.
Lakers can sign Marcus Smart to two years, $11 million with the full bi-annual exception.
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) July 19, 2025
They’ll need to clear about $4.2 million to gain access to the full amount while staying below the first apron.
Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin are on non-guaranteed contracts. https://t.co/ryuO9VBy8K
With Smart set to be on waivers for 48 hours, there is some time to make a move for the Lakers. While Milton’s contract becomes guaranteed on Sunday, that deadline does not exist for Goodwin.
This live story will be updated as more information becomes available.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
More from silverscreenandroll.com:
- Julius Randle; trade bait or legitimate building block for the Lakers
- Paul George says he has ‘no regrets at all’ asking for a trade to the Lakers
- The 5 biggest Lakers storylines to watch in 2018
- Lakers News: Lonzo Ball, Brook Lopez cleared to return to practice, listed as questionable vs. Thunder
- Lakers Injury News: Kyle Kuzma status in the air vs. Thunder
- Lakers Injury Report: Lonzo Ball return date targeted, Brook Lopez back in action
- Lakers vs. Timberwolves Final Score: Ice-cold start dooms Lakers in 114-96 loss
