The Los Angeles Lakers have made another strategic addition to their roster, agreeing to a two-year, $11 million deal with veteran guard Marcus Smart, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
The deal follows a reported contract buyout between Smart and the Washington Wizards, where he landed following a midseason trade from the Memphis Grizzlies. With the Wizards in the midst of a full rebuild, Smart’s exit seemed inevitable.
His arrival in Los Angeles marks the Lakers’ third significant roster move this offseason, following the signings of Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia. With the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith, the Lakers were clearly in need of a reliable 3-and-D player—and Marcus Smart fits the bill.
A Defensive Anchor in the Backcourt
Despite his 6’4″ frame, Smart is widely respected as one of the NBA’s fiercest perimeter defenders. He made history in 2022 as the first guard to win Defensive Player of the Year since Gary Payton in 1996, and his versatility allows him to switch across multiple positions.
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Smart’s intensity and leadership on the defensive end could provide exactly what the Lakers need, especially in a starting lineup that includes offensive-minded players like LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves. Smart could potentially start alongside Reaves, with Rui Hachimura moving to the bench to create better defensive balance.
Concerns About Durability
While Smart brings immense value on defense, his health remains a concern. He has struggled with injuries over the last two seasons, appearing in just 34 games last season and 20 the year before. However, the Lakers seem confident in his ability to stay on the court and contribute to a deep playoff run.
In his brief stint with the Wizards last season, Smart played 15 games, averaging 9.3 points, 2.5 assists, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in just over 18 minutes per game. He also posted solid shooting splits—44% from the field and an impressive 39.2% from three-point range.
Lakers’ Smart Strategy
Given the Lakers’ limited financial flexibility and the thin free agent market, signing Marcus Smart without needing to make a trade is a major win. Smart brings championship-level experience, defensive grit, and veteran leadership—elements the Lakers desperately need to remain competitive in a stacked Western Conference.
The Lakers front office, often under pressure for its decision-making, deserves credit for its patient and calculated approach this offseason. While Smart’s injury history prevents this move from earning a perfect grade, it’s still a strong acquisition that could pay major dividends if he stays healthy.