Veteran point guard Marcus Smart is set to embark on a new chapter in his career, marking his third team change in the past three years and second in 2025. According to reports by Moneyline's Shams Charania, Smart has reached an agreement for a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards, and he plans to finalize a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. Notably, Luka Doncic actively participated in the recruitment process, reportedly reaching out to Smart to express his desire to play alongside him.

The Lakers were not the only team interested in Smart; the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks were also in pursuit of the experienced guard. Smart's situation follows his $21.6 million salary for the 2025-26 season on an expiring contract. The Wizards had acquired Smart from the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2025 trade deadline, hoping to enhance their roster with his experience and skills.

The previous season was challenging for the 31-year-old Smart, as he was limited to just 34 games, averaging 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.1 steals in 20.0 minutes per contest. Injury issues, particularly with his right index finger, significantly impacted his performance. Smart initially joined the Grizzlies from the Boston Celtics prior to the 2023-24 season with the expectation that his veteran presence would benefit a developing young squad. While he posted career-high averages of 14.5 points and 2.1 steals during that season, injuries kept him to only 20 games. Remarkably, Smart has faced more injury setbacks over the past two seasons than he did in his nine seasons with the Celtics. Despite these recent challenges, he remains one of the league's top defensive players. The 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year is anticipated to be a vital asset for the Lakers as they aim for playoff contention, with hopes that he can return to form and maintain his health as a premier backcourt defender.