Marcus Smart to Join Lakers After Wizards Buyout: Report Reveals Luka Doncic’s Role in the Deal
Marcus Smart, once the emotional leader and fan favorite of the Boston Celtics, is reportedly set to join their historic rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Smart has agreed to a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers, pending the finalization of his contract buyout with the Washington Wizards.
Though Smart isn’t technically a free agent yet, the Wizards granted him permission to explore other opportunities ahead of the buyout. During that window, Smart reportedly had discussions with several interested teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns. However, it was Los Angeles that ultimately secured the 31-year-old guard — with some help from new Lakers star Luka Doncic.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Doncic made a direct recruiting pitch to Smart, which “resonated” with the former Defensive Player of the Year. While the specifics of their conversation remain unknown, it’s believed Smart was attracted to the Lakers’ strong title chances. L.A. finished as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference last season and continues to be in championship contention — a stark contrast to Smart’s recent stints with struggling teams.
Since being traded away by Boston in 2023, Smart has spent two disappointing seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards, playing in a combined 54 games due to a string of injuries, including ankle, shoulder, knee, and finger issues. His performance dipped accordingly, averaging just 9.0 points and 3.2 assists last season — among the lowest of his career.
In Los Angeles, Smart is expected to come off the bench, offering much-needed backcourt defense and ball-handling support behind Doncic and Austin Reaves. The Lakers hope he can stabilize their second unit and elevate their defensive presence.
Smart becomes L.A.’s third notable offseason signing, following the additions of Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia. Meanwhile, LeBron James’s long-term future with the team remains in question, adding further intrigue to this high-stakes season. For Smart, this move represents a shot at redemption and a long-awaited run at his first NBA championship — even if it’s with Boston’s biggest rival.
