Marcus Smart is officially headed to Los Angeles, agreeing to a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers after finalizing a buyout with the Washington Wizards.
But what turned the tide in LA’s favor wasn’t cap space. It was Luka Doncic.
According to multiple reports, including ESPN’s Shams Charania, Doncic personally reached out to Smart and made it clear: “I want to play with you.” Confirming a new King in L.A. who is making the move
That direct pitch helped the Lakers beat out competition from the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks, both of whom made late pushes for the former Defensive Player of the Year.
A Much-Needed addition and LeBron James losing power in Los Angeles
After losing Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency, the Lakers had a major hole to fill on the perimeter, especially alongside Luka and Austin Reaves. Smart brings exactly what they need: toughness, ball pressure, and a defensive identity that head coach JJ Redick can lean on.
Smart, 31, hasn’t looked like his Boston Celtics self in recent years, but he still averaged 1.6 steals per game over his career and brings a reputation for leadership and grit. In a short stint with the Wizards, he even showed signs of life from deep, hitting 39.2% of his threes on 3.4 attempts per game.
But what is curious, is that this is the first summer window since 2018 that LeBron James is not pulling the strings. The new ownership doesn’t see him as a long term asset, so they are planning their future with Luka Doncic as the main guy.
What the Lakers Gave Up
Signing Smart does come with roster consequences. The Lakers are waiving both Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin to stay under the first tax apron. With their mid-level exception already committed to Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia, LA is now hard-capped and done making major moves until January’s buyout market.
In short: this was the final swing of the summer.
A Message About Luka’s Future
The Smart signing does more than fill a roster spot. It signals something bigger about Luka Doncic’s commitment to the franchise.
Doncic is eligible to sign a long-anticipated contract extension on August 2. By actively recruiting talent and taking ownership of the team’s identity, he’s showing signs that he’s locked in for the long haul in LA.
And for a Lakers team that just hired a first-time head coach and made bold moves to reshape the roster, that matters.
Can Smart Stay Healthy?
That’s the big question.
Smart has played just 54 games over the past two seasons combined, split between Memphis and Washington. Injuries, inconsistency, and a shifting role have kept him from finding a rhythm.
But in LA, with Doncic in his corner and a defined role alongside Austin Reaves, Smart may finally get the chance to reset his career and reintroduce himself to the league.
