Marcus Smart to Join Lakers After Buyout with Wizards

Marcus Smart and the Washington Wizards have reached a contract buyout agreement. The 31-year-old, a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, plans to join the Los Angeles Lakers once he clears waivers, as per sources from The Athletic.

Smart was in the final year of his contract with the Wizards, set to earn $21.6 million. After the buyout, he must wait 48 hours before signing with a new team.

It is expected that Smart will sign a two-year deal with the Lakers, using the biannual exception. The contract is valued at around $5.1 million for the current season and nearly $5.4 million for the 2026-27 season, with the second year being a player option.

The Wizards acquired Smart from the Memphis Grizzlies in a trade last February. Smart was seen as a positive influence on the team's younger players, particularly in defense.

The Wizards decided to honor Smart's wish to play for a championship contender and to provide more playing time for their younger perimeter players. This move is aimed at securing a higher draft pick in 2026 by finishing lower in the league standings.

As part of the buyout, the Wizards will reduce their financial obligation to Smart by approximately $6.8 million.

The Lakers targeted Smart early in free agency to bolster their perimeter defense. Smart's accolades include being the 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time All-Defensive team player.

Lakers' star LeBron James is a six-time All-Defensive Team player. The team aimed to enhance their defense after losing Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets.

Smart, who spent nine years with the Boston Celtics, has career averages of 10.6 points, 4.6 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. He would join a list of former Celtics players who later joined the Lakers, such as Rajon Rondo, Rick Fox, and Isaiah Thomas.

Smart has played only 54 games since leaving Boston in 2022 due to injuries. The potential buyout was first reported by NBA reporter Marc Stein.