Marcus Smart has reportedly agreed to a buyout with the Wizards, setting him up to join LeBron James and Luka Dončić in L.A.
Veteran point guard Marcus Smart intends to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers after being waived by the Washington Wizards on Saturday, according to multiple reports. The news was first reported by NBA reporter Marc Stein.
BREAKING: The Wizards and Marcus Smart are nearing a buyout, @TheSteinLine has learned, and it’s believed that the Lakers will be strong favorites to sign Smart once he he clears waivers. pic.twitter.com/JjMv1dEKTP
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 19, 2025
BREAKING: Marcus Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after clearing waivers, sources tell ESPN. A return to a grand stage for the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/8g9Bxzz11E
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 19, 2025
The least-surprising buyout this cycle was finalized Saturday, with the Wizards and Marcus Smart reaching agreement to release the 31-year-old – who’s expected to sign with the Lakers for their bi-annual exception after clearing waivers. In @TheAthletic:https://t.co/O1jF3Q3QQ9
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 19, 2025
Smart, the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 9.0 points and 3.2 assists over 34 games last season with the Grizzlies and Wizards. The 31-year-old played the first nine seasons of his career with Boston.
His potential deal with the Lakers is reported to be for the $5.6 million bi-annual exception, replacing much of the $6.8 million he’ll concede to Washington. It would also contain a player option for the second season, providing the chance to re-enter free agency if the partnership proves fruitful.