The Lakers got a lot of things right with how they constructed their 2025-26 roster.
One of those players who worked out so well was Marcus Smart.
Luka Dončić, heavily recruited him and other Lakers players spoke glowingly about Smart the moment he was signed.
Even with the high expectations about what he could be for this team, Smart somehow overachieved.
He was an elite backcourt defender for the purple and gold and proved that he could once again be a durable player. Smart played in 62 games, the most
he’s participated in since the 2021-22 season, when he was with the Boston Celtics and was the Defensive Player of the Year.
In the postseason, he was invaluable. Smart started in every playoff game and had played great defense on superstars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Now Smart has a decision to make. He has a player option, so he can either return at $5.3 million or test out free agency. According to reporting by Dan Woike of The Athletic, the Lakers would like their partnership with Smart to continue.
Smart, whom Dončić recruited in free agency, could opt out of his deal and seek a longer-term contract. The Lakers have interest in retaining him.
It makes sense for the Lakers to want Smart back. He played well above even the rosiest of expectations of him. If he accepts his player option, it’s a no-brainer for him to return.
Now, if he does opt out and another team gives him an offer he can’t refuse, he might be gone regardless of the Lakers’ desires. But that’s part of the business, that is the NBA. Even teams can’t fully control what happens to the players they like.
The good thing is that the 2025-26 season was a success from the Smart perspective. He started for the Lakers, the superstars loved him and his play helped them beat the Rockets and advance to the second round of the playoffs.
If he wants to run it back, he can just opt in. And, even if he doesn’t, the Lakers have an interest in bringing him back and making him a core part of their team.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
