Marcus Smart agrees to buyout with Washington Wizards, set to join LA Lakers on two-year deal

In a move that comes as little surprise around the league, veteran guard Marcus Smart and the Washington Wizards have reached a buyout agreement, according to a report initially broken by Shams Charania of ESPN and later confirmed by multiple outlets.

Los Angeles Lakers set to add defensive anchor

Once Smart clears waivers, he's expected to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $10.5 million contract using the bi-annual exception. The second year of the deal will reportedly include a player option. In order to make room for Smart under the cap, the Lakers are expected to waive Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin in the coming days.

The 31-year-old Smart, who won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022, is viewed as a valuable addition to the Lakers' backcourt depth. If he can stay healthy and regain the form he showed just two seasons ago, when he averaged 14.5 points per game with near league-average shooting efficiency, he could become a crucial contributor off the bench. He’s expected to slot in behind Austin Reaves and provide elite on-ball defense and secondary playmaking.

Injury setbacks and a fresh start

Smart struggled through an injury-plagued 2023-24 season, appearing in just 34 games and averaging 9 points on 39.3% shooting. Despite the dip in production, the Lakers are betting on a resurgence from the veteran guard, whose defensive intensity and leadership have long been praised around the league.

Interestingly, according to The Athletic, Luka Doncic personally attempted to recruit Smart, signaling widespread league interest in the former Celtic and Grizzly. Ultimately, it was Los Angeles that sealed the deal.

Wizards clear space for youth movement

The Wizards, meanwhile, benefit from both a financial and developmental perspective. The buyout will save Washington approximately $6.8 million this season, but more importantly, it opens up rotational minutes for the team's promising young guards. Bub Carrington, Tre Johnson, and Cam Whitmore are expected to take on expanded roles as the franchise commits to a youth-driven rebuild.

Looking ahead, the Wizards appear focused on long-term growth and are positioning themselves for a potential high lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, which is widely projected to be one of the strongest in recent years.