The Lakers continue to reshape their roster around their new franchise centerpiece—and this time, it’s on the defensive end.
Veteran guard Marcus Smart is reportedly joining Los Angeles after agreeing to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards, per multiple reports. The 31-year-old is expected to bring a defensive edge the team lacked throughout most of the 2024–25 season.
Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year (2022), has long been regarded as one of the NBA’s best perimeter defenders. Though injuries have slowed him in recent seasons, he remains a disruptive presence and vocal leader.
His arrival in LA reportedly came at the urging of Luka Doncic.
“Lakers All-NBA star Luka Doncic reached out to Smart and made it clear that he wanted to play with the two-way stalwart,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.
It’s the latest move in a clear pattern of catering to Doncic’s preferences since the February 1st blockbuster trade that brought him to Los Angeles. The front office already added rim-runner Deandre Ayton and sharpshooter Jake LaRavia earlier this offseason—both players who fit well next to Doncic’s playmaking skillset.
Smart adds a different dimension: toughness and defense.
Though he’s a career 32.4% shooter from deep, Smart made 34.8% of his threes last season in limited action (34 games). He holds career averages of 10.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, and his on-court impact has never been measured solely in stats.
Los Angeles is looking to contend in the post-LeBron James era while also working to secure Doncic’s long-term future. He becomes eligible for a four-year, $228 million extension on August 2. He can opt out of his current deal following the 2025–26 season.
With Smart in the fold, the Lakers have now addressed two major areas: rim protection and perimeter defense.
If Doncic’s influence continues to shape the roster, LA’s retooled identity could start producing wins sooner than expected.
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