Marcus Smart Secures Lakers Deal After Wizards Buyout

Veteran Guard Joins LA on Two-Year Pact

Veteran guard Marcus Smart is on the move, agreeing to a buyout with the Washington Wizards. The seasoned defender is widely expected to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, bolstering their perimeter defense and secondary playmaking.

Wizards Facilitate Move, Focus on Youth Development

The Wizards confirmed the buyout agreement, a move that will save the franchise approximately $6.8 million this season. This decision clears the path for increased playing time for Washington’s emerging young talent, including prospects like Bub Carrington and Tre Johnson, as the team prioritizes long-term development and a high draft pick in the 2026 class.

Marcus Smart and the Washington Wizards have agreed to terms on a buyout, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN and since confirmed by multiple other reports.

— World Today News Sport (@WTONewsSport) July 20, 2025

Lakers Add Defensive Anchor

Once waivers clear, Smart is reportedly set to ink a two-year deal worth $10.5 million with the Lakers, featuring a player option for the second year. The Lakers will need to make roster adjustments, such as waiving Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin, to accommodate the signing.

The 31-year-old brings a reputation as a tenacious on-ball defender, a quality the Lakers desperately need. His ability to create shots off the dribble could also provide a valuable spark for the team’s bench unit. Smart earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2022 and averaged 14.5 points per game two seasons ago.

Smart Seeking Return to Form

Last season, however, injuries limited Smart to just 34 games, with averages of 9 points and 39.3% shooting. The Lakers are banking on his ability to regain his previous form and contribute significant minutes, potentially as a key reserve behind Austin Reaves.

Notably, Luka Doncic personally recruited Smart to join the Lakers, according to The Athletic. This personal appeal underscores the Lakers’ strong desire to add the veteran guard to their roster.

Smart‘s arrival could significantly impact the Lakers’ defensive rating. For comparison, last season teams guarded by players who averaged at least 2.5 steals per 36 minutes, like Smart has achieved in past seasons, saw opponents shoot 3.5% worse from the field.