Breaking: Marcus Smart to Join Lakers on Two-Year $11 Million Deal After Contract Buyout With Washington Wizards

In a stunning twist that could reshape the Western Conference playoff landscape, veteran guard 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 once he clears waivers, league sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

The deal sends ripples through the NBA, not only because of Smart’s reputation as one of the league’s fiercest defenders but also due to the significance of his landing spot — a Lakers squad determined to maximize the championship window of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers’ acquisition of Smart signals a renewed commitment to bolstering their backcourt with grit, tenacity, and high-IQ basketball, all of which Smart brings in abundance.

Marcus Smart, 30, was acquired by Washington from the Memphis Grizzlies earlier in the offseason as part of a broader roster reset. Though many around the league speculated the Wizards would eventually part ways with the veteran guard as they continued their rebuild, the buyout still comes as a surprise given how recent his arrival was. Yet, Smart’s desire to compete for a championship and the Wizards’ youth movement ultimately aligned to create a smooth exit.

According to sources close to the situation, the Lakers were quick to express interest once the possibility of a buyout became real. Discussions between Smart’s representatives and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka escalated quickly, with mutual interest driving the agreement home before the ink on the buyout paperwork had even dried.

The move represents yet another savvy addition to the Lakers’ roster during a critical phase in the post-2020 title era. After falling short in recent playoff runs and struggling with roster continuity, L.A. appears focused on adding players who not only have championship pedigree but also address key areas of need. Smart’s ability to guard multiple positions, run the offense when needed, and provide veteran leadership is exactly what the Lakers craved after parting with players like Dennis Schröder and D’Angelo Russell in recent years.

A former Defensive Player of the Year (2022), Smart spent the first nine seasons of his NBA career with the Boston Celtics, where he was the heartbeat of their defense and a vocal leader both on and off the court. He played a pivotal role in Boston’s 2022 NBA Finals run and their consistent playoff appearances. He was traded to Memphis in the summer of 2023 as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Celtics. Unfortunately, his time with the Grizzlies was marred by injuries, including a season-ending hand issue that limited his ability to contribute in the 2023–24 season.

Despite those setbacks, Smart remains one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders and brings a competitive edge few others can match. He has averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game over his career, while shooting 38% from the field and 32% from three-point range. But his true value goes beyond the box score. He takes charges, dives for loose balls, and sets the tone with his emotional intensity and fearlessness.

“Marcus is the type of player who doesn’t just help you win games — he helps you win culture,” said an anonymous executive who previously worked with Smart. “He changes locker rooms. He makes guys accountable. He’s going to be huge for the Lakers.”

For the Lakers, Smart likely projects to play a hybrid role, sharing ball-handling duties with Gabe Vincent and Austin Reaves, while also offering relief for LeBron and anchoring the second unit defensively. His versatility could allow head coach J.J. Redick to deploy different lineup combinations, including small-ball looks with Smart, Reaves, and LeBron sharing the floor. His experience in deep playoff battles will also be invaluable come springtime.

Smart’s signing comes amid a flurry of activity from the Lakers, who have been working to reshape the roster since their disappointing first-round playoff exit in 2025. The team recently re-signed Rui Hachimura, picked up the team option on Jarred Vanderbilt, and signed veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas. With Smart joining the fold, the Lakers have quietly built one of the most experienced and battle-tested rotations in the league.

Reaction around the league was swift, with many players, analysts, and fans praising the move. Former teammate Jayson Tatum took to social media to post a salute emoji and the words “My dawg,” while LeBron James liked several posts reporting Smart’s arrival. It’s no secret that James has long admired Smart’s game, and the respect appears mutual.

In a recent interview, Smart noted that playing with greats like James and Davis was something he always respected from afar. “I’ve competed against those guys for years,” Smart said. “Now I get to go to battle with them. That’s exciting. I’m ready to bring that edge to L.A.”

Though Smart has had a rocky last 12 months in terms of team stability, with trades from Boston to Memphis and now a buyout from Washington, he enters the Lakers’ locker room with a clean slate and a clear purpose. If healthy, he could end up being one of the most impactful signings of the 2025 offseason.

The buyout also speaks volumes about the direction the Washington Wizards are heading. Under the leadership of new president of basketball operations Michael Winger, the Wizards have embraced a full rebuild, focusing on developing young talent and maintaining financial flexibility. Moving on from Smart, who is in the third year of a four-year, $76.5 million deal, clears significant cap space and opens more minutes for younger guards like Tyus Jones and rookie Ja’Kobe Walter.

“This was the right decision for both sides,” one Wizards official stated. “We appreciate everything Marcus brought, but he deserves to be in a position to contend, and we’re focused on our long-term goals.”

Now, as the Lakers prepare for training camp, all eyes will be on how Smart fits in. Will he start or come off the bench? Can he stay healthy for a full campaign? And perhaps most importantly — can he be the missing piece that lifts L.A. back to championship contention?

Smart certainly believes so. In his first statement following the news, he said, “All I’ve ever wanted to do is win. That’s why I play the game. I’m ready to give everything I’ve got to the Lakers. Let’s work.”

With his defensive instincts, playoff pedigree, and relentless motor, Smart could become the kind of glue guy every contender needs. For a Lakers team trying to keep its championship hopes alive in an ever-evolving Western Conference, this could be the bold move that pays massive dividends come June.

One thing is clear: Marcus Smart is no longer just a thorn in the Lakers’ side — he’s now one of their most valuable weapons.