Image Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Lakers Strengthen Depth With Marcus Smart Signing, Bet on Veteran Guard Despite Injury History

Lakers continue their offseason rebuild by bringing in a former Defensive Player of the Year

Image Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have added another experienced backcourt option by signing Marcus Smart to bolster their depth. The Lakers are focused on reinforcing their backcourt depth with experienced talent as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The Washington Wizards who signed him in 2024 from the Grizzlies taking the four year $76.4 million veteran extension contract decided to pull the plug. They agreed to a buyout that clears his $21.6 million cap hit for the next season.

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

Smart has now signed for the Lakers as a free agent. The two year deal is worth $10.5 million with an average salary of $5.2 million. The point guard will act as a backup however, injuries are a major concern for the 31-year-old. During the 2024-25 season, Smart played only 15 games, and in the previous season to that, he played only 19 games.

While for the season 2023-24, the point guard featured again in only 20 games. It’s concerning that Marcus Smart hasn’t played more than 20 games in any of the past few seasons due to recurring injuries. He averaged 9.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists during the previous season.

Doncic Plays Key Role In Signing

Luka Doncic reportedly played a key role in persuading Marcus Smart to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was the first to reach out to the guard and explain how much he wanted to play with the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year.

With Marcus Smart signing with the Lakers, he will become the 42nd player to play for both Boston and LA.

8 have played 100+ games with both: Don Nelson, Rajon Rondo, Rick Fox, Avery Bradley, Brian Shaw, Jim Barnes, Mel Counts and Clyde Lovellette.

Fox: 400+ with both teams!
— Dick Lipe (@DickLipe) July 20, 2025

The Milwaukee Bucks were in the hunt too, trying to add depth to their back court. But Marcus Smart made his choice clear with the Lakers organization. Thanks to Luka Doncic’s influence, the Lakers’ front office finalized the signing on a financially reasonable two-year deal.

The Los Angeles Lakers have now added DeAndre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, A double Thiero, and Marcus Smart in the offseason so far. They have also re-signed Jaxon Hayes and Jordan Goodwin to short-term extensions for roster continuity.