MARCUS SMART SIGNS WITH THE LAKERS BUT WILL IT BACKFIRE

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant splash in the 2025 NBA free agency, securing veteran guard Marcus Smart on a two-year, $11 million deal following a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards. The signing, reported on July 19, 2025, by ESPN’s Shams Charania, marks a strategic move to address the Lakers’ need for a defensive stalwart in the backcourt, with Luka Dončić playing a key role in recruiting the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

A Defensive Anchor for a Contending Team

Marcus Smart, a three-time All-Defensive First Team honoree, brings a wealth of experience and tenacity to the Lakers. Known for his relentless point-of-attack defense, Smart has built a reputation as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders, with a career defensive rating of 107.9 and an average of 1.6 steals per game. His ability to guard multiple positions, avoid switches to prevent mismatches, and create turnovers by reading passing lanes makes him an ideal fit for a Lakers team looking to shore up its defense after losing Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets.

The Lakers, led by stars Luka Dončić and LeBron James, are aiming to rebound from a disappointing first-round playoff exit last season. Smart’s addition addresses a critical need for a defensive-minded guard to complement the offensive firepower of Dončić and Austin Reaves, who are not known for their defensive prowess. Head coach JJ Redick, who frequently employed switching schemes last season, is expected to utilize Smart’s versatility as both a point-of-attack and wing defender.

The Deal and Its Implications

Smart’s two-year contract, which includes a player option for the 2026-27 season, was made possible through the Lakers’ bi-annual exception, valued at approximately $5.1 million for the 2025-26 season and $5.4 million for the following year. To accommodate Smart’s signing, the Lakers must navigate salary cap constraints, as they are currently just below the first apron, a hard cap for the season after using their mid-level exception to sign Deandre Ayton.

According to reports, the Lakers plan to waive guard Shake Milton, whose $3 million contract for the 2025-26 season was set to become fully guaranteed on July 20, 2025. However, waiving Milton alone may not free up enough cap space, potentially requiring the team to also waive Jordan Goodwin or trade an expiring contract, such as those of Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, or Maxi Kleber. The Lakers are reportedly exploring a consolidation trade to retain Goodwin, a gritty defender praised by coach Redick and Lakers legend James Worthy for his effort and low-mistake play.

Smart’s Journey and Fit with the Lakers

Drafted sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in 2014, Smart spent nine seasons with the franchise, becoming a cornerstone of their defense and helping them reach the Eastern Conference Finals five times and the NBA Finals in 2022. After trades to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2023 and the Wizards in February 2025, Smart’s playing time was limited by injuries, appearing in only 54 games over the past two seasons. Despite these setbacks, his defensive acumen and leadership remain highly valued, as evidenced by his positive influence on younger players in Washington.

Smart’s decision to join the Lakers was influenced by a direct recruitment effort from Luka Dončić, who reached out to express his desire to play alongside the veteran guard. The Lakers outmaneuvered competing offers from the Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, and New York Knicks, with Smart favoring Los Angeles for its clearer path to significant playing time. The Knicks, in particular, were unable to guarantee minutes due to their crowded backcourt, featuring Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Miles McBride.

Challenges and Expectations

While Smart’s defensive prowess is undeniable, his recent injury history and offensive limitations raise questions. Over the past three seasons, he has not played more than 61 games in a single campaign, with a finger injury sidelining him for much of the 2024-25 season. His career shooting percentages—38.8% from the field and 32.4% from three—suggest he is not a primary offensive threat, though he has a knack for hitting clutch shots. The Lakers will rely on Smart to anchor their defense while leaning on Dončić, Reaves, and LeBron James for scoring.

Fans and analysts have mixed reactions to the signing. Some praise the addition of a proven veteran who fits the Lakers’ need for toughness and chemistry, while others express concern about his health and offensive fit. Posts on X reflect this divide, with some fans calling Smart a “solid positive” for his low-cost acquisition, while others label him “washed” and question the team’s direction after losing Finney-Smith and signing Ayton.

A High-Stakes Move for Championship Aspirations

The signing of Marcus Smart represents a calculated gamble for the Lakers, who acquired a former Defensive Player of the Year without surrendering assets. Alongside Ayton and Jake LaRavia, Smart is part of a youth-focused offseason strategy to rebuild around Dončić and James. His playoff experience, defensive versatility, and leadership could prove invaluable as the Lakers aim for a deep postseason run.

However, the success of this move hinges on Smart’s ability to stay healthy and integrate into a roster with high expectations. With Dončić’s personal endorsement and Redick’s defensive schemes, Smart has an opportunity to reclaim his status as one of the NBA’s elite defenders on a “grand stage” in Los Angeles. As the Lakers finalize their roster moves, all eyes will be on how Smart’s grit and tenacity shape their championship pursuit.