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 Shams Charania.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, Marcus Smart, the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and the heartbeat of the Boston Celtics defense for nearly a decade, is set to leave the Washington Wizards after agreeing to a contract buyout. Smart, known for his scrappy style of play, leadership, and defensive prowess, is expected to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers once he clears waivers, sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic.

This shocking development marks the end of Smart’s tenure with the Washington Wizards, where he was traded earlier in the offseason as part of the Celtics’ massive roster shake-up. While Smart’s move to Washington was seen as a fresh start and a pivotal piece in the Wizards’ rebuild, his decision to part ways with the team and ultimately sign with the Lakers signals a shift in both his career and the balance of power in the NBA.

Before diving into the significance of Smart’s decision to join the Lakers, it’s essential to reflect on his remarkable tenure in Boston. Smart, a 2014 NBA Draft pick (6th overall), became the face of the Celtics’ defense. For years, he embodied everything Boston fans valued—grit, toughness, and an unyielding desire to win. As the team’s primary defensive anchor, Smart was often tasked with guarding the league’s most dangerous players, and more times than not, he excelled in that role. His relentless defense and high basketball IQ were vital components of the Celtics’ deep playoff runs in recent seasons.

Over the years, Smart transformed from a highly touted but occasionally erratic prospect into one of the league’s most respected defensive specialists. His evolution culminated in being named NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, the first guard to win the award since Dwayne Wade in 2009. That year, Smart averaged 1.7 steals per game, anchored the Celtics’ top-ranked defense, and became the emotional leader of a squad that made it to the NBA Finals.

Smart’s leadership on and off the court was invaluable. While the Celtics had their fair share of ups and downs, especially during the Kyrie Irving era and subsequent rebuild, Smart was consistently a stabilizing presence. His toughness, ability to lock down the opposing team’s best player, and clutch shot-making were hallmarks of his game. Even though his offensive game was often considered inconsistent, his playmaking, court vision, and tenacity never faltered.

But the Celtics’ championship aspirations eventually fell short, particularly in the 2023 postseason, where they lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Following that season, Boston’s front office decided it was time to shake up the roster, leading to Smart’s trade to the Washington Wizards as part of a deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Boston.

For Smart, the move to Washington represented a new chapter. The Wizards had entered a full-fledged rebuild after trading Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis, and Smart was expected to be a key veteran leader for a young roster. The expectation was that he would help mentor the Wizards’ younger players, such as Jordan Poole (acquired in the Beal trade) and other promising talents, while continuing to provide the same defensive impact that he showcased in Boston.

However, despite being placed in a more prominent role with a rebuilding team, Smart’s time in Washington was brief. The Wizards, after receiving several assets in the Beal trade, found themselves with a glut of young players and a need to further reshape the roster for the future. It was clear that Smart, although still an impactful player, might not fit into the long-term plans of the Wizards.

With his age (29) and defensive skill set still highly regarded around the league, Smart became a highly sought-after asset for teams looking to make a push for a title. With a market as hot as ever for top-tier defensive players, and a clear need for championship contenders to bolster their rosters, it wasn’t long before rumors of Smart’s potential buyout and re-signing with a contender started to surface. And now, just weeks after the trade, the Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as the team that will offer him the chance to compete for a championship.

The Los Angeles Lakers, coming off a strong playoff run that ended in the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets, have been one of the busiest teams this offseason, bolstering their roster with an array of moves designed to push them over the top. Already loaded with superstar LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers added Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, and Austin Reaves, alongside solid veteran acquisitions like Gabe Vincent.

However, the Lakers’ defense—although solid—was a concern heading into the 2025 season. Adding Smart gives them a crucial piece to address that need, as he immediately improves their perimeter defense and gives them a lockdown option against the opposing team’s best offensive weapon. Not only does he have the ability to guard elite guards and wings, but his elite basketball IQ allows him to defend in multiple schemes and elevate the Lakers’ overall defensive versatility.

Smart’s leadership is another key asset that the Lakers were missing last season. Despite having established stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers had moments in 2024 when they lacked a consistent voice in critical situations. Smart, with his fiery passion, leadership, and grit, will provide that emotional spark in the locker room and on the floor. His tenacity will be contagious, and his veteran presence could be exactly what the Lakers need as they chase their 18th NBA Championship.

Additionally, Smart offers the Lakers a defensive weapon that fits perfectly alongside their current roster. His ability to make plays as a primary ball-handler or in a secondary role could alleviate some of the playmaking duties from LeBron James, allowing the Lakers to rest their superstar during critical stretches of the game. In tight playoff series, Smart could emerge as an X-factor with his ability to provide clutch defense and timely scoring.

On offense, Smart will need to embrace a more limited role, as the Lakers have a wealth of offensive talent in LeBron, Davis, and others. Smart’s consistency from beyond the arc has fluctuated over his career, but his ability to create for others and move the ball will fit well in Darvin Ham’s motion offense. The Lakers’ offense, which can sometimes get bogged down in isolation sets, should benefit from Smart’s high basketball IQ and unselfish play.

Adding Marcus Smart gives the Los Angeles Lakers yet another piece in their search for a championship contender. The 2025 season is shaping up to be another highly competitive one, with teams like the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat all in the mix for title contention. While the Lakers have a strong core of players, the addition of Smart gives them a much-needed boost in terms of defense, leadership, and depth.

One of the key factors in the Lakers’ recent success has been their ability to build strong defensive rotations. With LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Jared Vanderbilt, and Rui Hachimura, they already had a formidable defense last season. But Smart elevates that unit to a whole new level, and his ability to guard multiple positions will provide Darvin Ham with even more flexibility on that end of the floor.

With D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves likely starting in the backcourt alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Smart provides depth at the guard position that could prove invaluable. Whether coming off the bench to provide a defensive spark or starting alongside Russell, Smart will be tasked with guarding the opposing team’s top offensive player while also providing leadership and stability in clutch moments. His presence could free up LeBron James to play a more passive role when needed, especially during the regular season when load management could be a factor.

In terms of contract, the two-year, $11 million deal is a reasonable risk for the Lakers. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic dominating the league as perennial MVP candidates, the Lakers know they need a versatile and elite defender if they want to contend with the NBA’s best. This contract offers the team flexibility while ensuring that Smart is compensated for his contributions, both on and off the floor.

For Marcus Smart, this is a pivotal moment in his career. Having established himself as one of the most respected defenders in the league, his move to the Lakers represents a chance to chase a championship alongside some of the NBA’s most iconic players. This opportunity to play for a contender offers Smart a fresh start after being traded to the Wizards and offers him a chance to elevate his legacy by contributing to a title run.

For the Los Angeles Lakers, the signing of Smart gives them the depth, defensive edge, and leadership necessary to make a deep postseason run. With a mix of veterans, superstars, and young talent, the Lakers’ odds of contending for the 2025 NBA Championship just got a lot stronger.

As the season progresses and the Lakers’ journey unfolds, the presence of Marcus Smart on the roster will undoubtedly be one of the storylines to watch. He’s a player who thrives in the postseason, and his ability to impact games on both ends of the floor will be crucial as the Lakers aim for their 18th NBA title. The Marcus Smart to the Lakers move is the latest in a series of impactful moves in the Western Conference, and the ripple effects will be felt across the league for the foreseeable future.