The Los Angeles Lakers have reached an agreement with the Washington Wizards to acquire defensive guard Marcus Smart, who is set to sign a two-year, $11 million contract with the team. Smart, honored as the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year and formerly with the Boston Celtics, finalized his deal after clearing his exemption. He holds player options following the 2025-26 season, which means he could enter free agency next summer.
The Lakers sought to bolster their defense after signing defensive specialist Dorian Finney-Smith, who previously joined the Houston Rockets. Last season, Smart appeared in just 34 games, splitting his time between Memphis and Washington due to a finger injury affecting his shooting. He posted averages of 9.0 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game, shooting 39.3% from the field.
At 31 years old, Smart played only 20 games with the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2023-24 season, limited by a toe injury and left leg sprain. While with Memphis, he averaged 14.4 points per game, shooting 43% from the field and 31.3% from three-point range. Smart spent his prime nine seasons with the Boston Celtics, making the playoffs every year, but missed postseason contention in his last two years with Memphis and Washington.
During the 2021-22 season, Smart started a career-high 71 games, averaging 32.3 minutes, shooting 41.8% from the field and 33.1% from beyond the arc. That was the same season he earned the Defensive Player of the Year award and was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team for the third time.
With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves forming the Lakers’ starting backcourt—players not known for their defensive prowess—adding Smart fills a crucial gap. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 220 pounds, Smart combines size, strength, and athleticism, capable of guarding point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards.
The Lakers hope that by adding Smart alongside center DeAndre Ayton and forward Jake LaRavia, they can strengthen their competitiveness in the rigorous Western Conference. Smart was the 6th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by Boston and has started 387 of 635 career games over 11 seasons. He averages 10.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds, showing his well-rounded game, with career shooting percentages of 38.8% from the field, 32.4% from three, and 77.6% from the free-throw line.
Smart shines brightest on defense, with a career defensive rating of 107.9. His quickness and ability to stay in front of his opponent make him an excellent one-on-one defender—a skill set the Lakers desperately need.
Fan Take: This signing is a game-changer for the Lakers as it addresses their critical need for lockdown perimeter defense, potentially transforming their backcourt dynamics. For basketball fans, Smart’s move highlights how defensive specialists remain vital in shaping championship-contending teams in today’s offense-driven NBA.
