The most unexpected move of the offseason has unfolded: Marcus Smart and the Washington Wizards have reached an agreement for his acquisition, as confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania and various other sources.
Once Marcus Smart clears the exemption, he is anticipated to sign a two-year, $10.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, thanks to the biennial exemption.
At 31, if Smart remains healthy and regains his form, he will provide the Lakers with strong on-ball perimeter defense and offer valuable secondary scoring off the bench when needed. Smart earned the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022, averaging 14.5 points with nearly league-average efficiency that season. However, injuries limited him to just 34 games last year, where he posted 9 points per game with a 39.3% shooting average. The Lakers are hopeful this was an outlier season, trusting Smart’s skills have not declined and that he can effectively back up Austin Reeves off the bench.
Notably, Luka Doncic personally recruited Smart, according to The Athletic.
This move saves the Wizards approximately $6.8 million this season. More importantly, it clears opportunities for Washington’s young guards like Bab Carrington, Tre Johnson, and Cam Whitmore to receive more playing time. The Wizards, emphasizing youth development this season, are also thinking long-term with an eye toward a potential high lottery pick in the strong 2026 draft.
Fan Take: This signing is a fascinating twist for Lakers fans, as Smart’s defensive prowess could dramatically impact the team’s backcourt dynamics. For basketball enthusiasts, it represents a strategic move blending veteran experience and youthful potential, highlighting how teams adapt and rebuild for future success.
