NBA Shockwave: Marcus Smart Agrees to Buyout With Wizards, Plans to Join Lakers in Blockbuster Move to Boost Defense, Leadership
In a stunning turn of events that’s already shaking up the NBA landscape, veteran guard Marcus Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and plans to join the Los Angeles Lakers. The deal, finalized late Wednesday evening according to multiple sources, represents one of the most significant mid-offseason acquisitions in recent Lakers history. It instantly upgrades the team’s perimeter defense, toughness, and leadership heading into the 2025-26 NBA season.
A New Chapter for Marcus Smart
After spending the majority of his career with the Boston Celtics and one turbulent season with the Memphis Grizzlies, Marcus Smart was traded to the Wizards in a salary-shifting move earlier this offseason. While the trade was seen as a temporary pit stop by many league observers, few expected the three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team guard to be on the move again so soon.
But Smart, known as one of the grittiest and most competitive players in the NBA, reportedly had little interest in being part of a full-scale rebuild in Washington. With the Wizards continuing to stockpile young assets and prioritize player development, a mutual agreement was reached to buy out the remaining portion of his contract, paving the way for Smart to sign with a contender.
Why the Lakers?
The Los Angeles Lakers have long coveted a tenacious defensive presence on the perimeter to complement their star duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. With D’Angelo Russell opting out and questions surrounding the consistency of Gabe Vincent and Austin Reaves on the defensive end, the addition of Marcus Smart is viewed as a game-changing move by General Manager Rob Pelinka and new head coach JJ Redick.
Smart, 30, brings playoff experience, an edge the Lakers have lacked since the departure of Alex Caruso, and a championship pedigree. He was a pivotal part of the Celtics’ 2022 run to the NBA Finals and is widely respected across the league for his intensity, basketball IQ, and locker room leadership.
“Marcus is a culture-setter,” one league executive told ESPN. “He doesn’t just guard—he elevates the accountability of everyone on the floor.”
Redick’s System Gets Its Anchor
For new Lakers head coach JJ Redick, adding Smart gives him a defensive anchor on the perimeter and a secondary ball handler who can take pressure off LeBron. Known for his X’s and O’s emphasis and preference for versatile guards, Redick is expected to integrate Smart seamlessly into the Lakers’ evolving rotation.
Sources say Redick has been in communication with Smart since the buyout process began, pitching the Lakers’ vision and his role within it. Smart will likely start alongside Austin Reaves in the backcourt, allowing the Lakers to field one of the most dynamic two-way guard combinations in the Western Conference.
“He’s not just a point guard,” said Redick during a recent interview. “He’s a leader, a communicator, and one of the best defenders of this generation. That’s what we need.”
The Terms of the Deal
According to Shams Charania, Smart’s buyout with the Wizards involved a negotiated settlement on the final two years of his $76 million contract, allowing him to enter unrestricted free agency. The Lakers are signing Smart to a two-year deal worth approximately $18 million using a combination of the taxpayer mid-level exception and cap maneuvering from recent trades.
The contract also includes a player option for the 2026-27 season, giving Smart flexibility while aligning his future with the team’s timeline.
Financially, the Lakers remain cautious not to exceed the second luxury tax apron, but league sources confirm they believe Smart’s impact justifies the squeeze. “This was a targeted move,” one front office insider said. “They’ve had him circled for weeks.”
A Defensive Resurgence
With Smart now onboard, the Lakers have the opportunity to return to their defensive roots—the very identity that powered them to the 2020 NBA Championship. In the years since, they’ve struggled with consistent perimeter defense, relying heavily on Anthony Davis to erase mistakes at the rim.
Smart brings immediate relief. He can guard positions 1 through 3, excels in pick-and-roll coverages, and provides relentless energy. His ability to switch onto elite scorers—whether it’s Steph Curry, Devin Booker, or Luka Dončić—will be invaluable during the postseason.
“Smart is one of those guys you hate to play against but love to have on your team,” said an anonymous Western Conference coach. “He’s a disruptor.”
Veteran Presence in a Tight Window
With LeBron James entering his 22nd NBA season and Anthony Davis on the other side of 30, the Lakers are clearly operating in a tight championship window. Bringing in Marcus Smart, a no-nonsense competitor who plays with intensity every night, sends a clear message: the Lakers are all-in.
The addition also gives the team a mental edge. Smart is a proven playoff performer with 108 postseason games under his belt. His experience, voice, and hustle can help the Lakers navigate the highs and lows of an 82-game season and what they hope is another deep playoff run.
In fact, Smart’s leadership could take some burden off LeBron, who has often had to serve as both superstar and team motivator. With Smart in the locker room, that dynamic could shift in a productive way.
The Ripple Effects
Smart’s arrival could have ripple effects on the current roster. Gabe Vincent may see his minutes decrease unless he significantly improves his shooting and playmaking. Meanwhile, younger guards like Jalen Hood-Schifino and Max Christie may find it harder to crack the rotation.
There’s also the question of how this changes the Lakers’ offensive strategy. Smart is a streaky shooter but a solid playmaker, known for his willingness to make the extra pass and set hard screens. While he’s not expected to carry a major scoring load, his presence will allow LeBron and AD to conserve energy on defense and play more efficiently in half-court sets.
Don’t be surprised if this move sets off another chain reaction. The Lakers, now armed with a defensive leader and still looking to contend, could pursue one more wing shooter or backup big man before training camp.
Fan and Media Reactions
Unsurprisingly, Lakers fans erupted with excitement following the news.
“Smart to the Lakers? That’s a championship move,” one fan posted on X. “Finally, a guy who actually plays defense.”
Even rival fans acknowledged the magnitude of the signing. “I hated Marcus Smart when he was a Celtic,” a Warriors fan commented. “Now I’m terrified he’s on the Lakers.”
On ESPN’s “NBA Today,” analyst Kendrick Perkins praised the move, calling it “one of the smartest, most under-the-radar signings of the offseason.”
“You bring in a guy like Marcus Smart and the whole vibe changes,” Perkins said. “He’s gonna hold people accountable.”
What’s Next?
With Smart now officially joining the purple and gold, the Lakers have added a player who fits both their immediate needs and long-term culture goals. The team is expected to hold an introductory press conference next week, where Smart will speak about the decision to join Los Angeles and his vision for contributing to another championship push.
For Marcus Smart, this marks a new beginning in a storied franchise hungry for another title. For the Lakers, it’s a statement of intent—defense, toughness, and grit are back in style.
And for the rest of the NBA?
The message is clear: The Los Angeles Lakers aren’t waiting around. They’re going to war—with Marcus Smart leading the charge.
