Veteran point guard Marcus Smart is set to embark on a new chapter in his career, as he will be joining the Los Angeles Lakers following a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards. This marks the third time in as many years that Smart has changed teams, and for the second time in 2025, according to NBA insider Shams Charania from Moneyline. The two-year contract is reportedly valued at $11 million.

During the Lakers' recruitment process, notable player Luka Doncic reached out to Smart, expressing his desire to play alongside the seasoned guard. The Lakers faced competition for Smart's services from the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks, highlighting the veteran's appeal across the league. Prior to his departure from the Wizards, Smart was under contract for $21.6 million for the 2025-26 season, on an expiring deal that had been set during his acquisition from the Memphis Grizzlies at the 2025 trade deadline.

The past season proved challenging for the 31-year-old Smart, as he struggled with injuries, appearing in only 34 games and averaging 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.1 steals across 20.0 minutes per game. His right index finger injury significantly impacted his performance. Previously, Smart had been traded from the Boston Celtics to the Grizzlies before the start of the 2023-24 season, where he shined in a limited capacity, posting career highs of 14.5 points and 2.1 steals in just 20 games due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, Smart remains highly regarded as one of the league's premier defensive players and could serve as a critical asset for the Lakers as they aim for postseason success.