The Lakers’ offseason has been headline-worthy from the jump. From binding LeBron James with a $52.6 million player option, and then adding Deandre Ayton to solidify the frontcourt, it looked like a super-team in the making, but one issue lingered: perimeter defense. The lack of a true point-of-attack stopper had cost them in big moments last season. Fans and analysts alike knew another move was coming. The rumors swirled, but no one predicted what happened next. Just like that, the Lakers may have finally patched their biggest weakness.
Fast forward to now. Shams Charania dropped a bomb on X that sent the Lakers community into meltdown mode. The perfect defensive piece just fell into their lap, but it comes with serious consequences for the current roster. Two familiar faces are suddenly on very thin ice. And guess who played secret agent to make it happen?
Shams broke it: “BREAKING: Marcus Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after clearing waivers… A return to a grand stage for the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.” This is massive.
The Lakers desperately needed a tenacious, veteran guard who could lock down opponents, and Smart’s resume fit the narrative. Luka Doncic personally recruited him, with reports confirming “Luka Dončić recruiting and reaching out to Smart” to seal the deal. Talk about your franchise player putting in work.
BREAKING: Marcus Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after clearing waivers, sources tell ESPN. A return to a grand stage for the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/8g9Bxzz11E
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 19, 2025
But here’s the catch: fitting Smart’s $11M deal under the hard cap requires immediate roster surgery. Keith Smith laid out the harsh reality: “Waiving Shake Milton will clear $3M, but another move will have to come.” Milton is on his way out, but who will the Lakers bite next?
This is a developing story…
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