Marcus Smart Eyes Lakers Move in Bold Return to NBA Spotlight
So here's something that's definitely shaking up the NBA landscape—Marcus Smart, the former Boston Celtics heart-and-soul guard and 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, is set to join the Los Angeles Lakers. Yeah, you heard that right. After some turbulent seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Washington Wizards, Smart is about to land on one of the league’s biggest stages once again.
According to multiple reports, including those from ESPN’s Shams Charania and Marc Stein, Smart has agreed to a buyout with the Wizards and is expected to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers once he clears waivers. What makes this move even more interesting is the context: the Lakers have been actively looking for a point-of-attack defender, someone who can bring defensive toughness and intensity—something that’s been missing alongside offensive juggernauts like LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
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Smart is not just any defender—he’s a three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection and someone who’s known for giving 100% on every possession. And although the last couple of seasons haven’t been his best statistically or in terms of role, there’s no denying his value in the right system. He was a cornerstone in Boston for nearly a decade, leading them deep into the playoffs year after year, even if they came up short of a title.
Now, let’s be real. Smart is no longer at his athletic peak, and he’ll likely take on a reserve role behind Doncic and Austin Reaves in the Lakers backcourt. But that’s exactly what makes this a smart move—pun intended. He doesn’t need to carry the offensive load. What he brings is toughness, leadership, and playoff experience—intangibles that become critical when the postseason rolls around.
And don’t forget, this deal also includes a player option in 2026, giving Smart some flexibility as the cap expands and teams start reshuffling again. For the Lakers, this is about maximizing their current window while LeBron is still around. Add in recent acquisitions like Deandre Ayton, and LA is clearly going all-in.
It’s going to be fascinating to see how Smart meshes with this new Lakers core. He’s got the grit, the IQ, and the fire. All that’s left now is for him to prove, once again, that he belongs on the NBA’s biggest stage.
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