Marcus Smart Joins Lakers: 2‑Year $11M Deal & Depth Chart Impact
- Abhinand PS
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- Jul 20
- 3 min read
Marcus Smart to Lakers: Defense, Depth & Championship Aspirations
🎯 What’s the Deal?
Contract: 2‑year, $11 million deal (player option in Year 2) after buyout from Washington Wizards The Times of India+15Reuters+15Fadeaway World+15Diario AS
Background: Smart, 31, 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, waived by Wizards following stints with Memphis and Washington New York Post+5Diario AS+5LAFB Network+5
Recruitment Game: Luka Dončić reportedly reached out directly, helping land Smart ReutersSportskeeda
🧩 Role & Fit in the Lakers Backcourt
Primary Role: Veteran “point-of-attack” wing defender and backcourt enforcer Wikipedia+10Los Angeles Times+10Sportskeeda+10
Per Coach JJ Redick: Versatile—Smart can be both a starter and the sixth man, offering defensive energy and toughness Fadeaway World+15Sportskeeda+15Reuters+15
Fit with Core: Complements Luka’s playmaking and LeBron’s veteran presence, bridging scoring and defense seamlessly CelticsBlog+15Sportskeeda+15Diario AS+15
📋 Updated Lakers Depth Chart (2025–26)
Position | Starter | Key Backups |
PG | Luka Dončić | Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, Jordan Goodwin |
SG | Austin Reaves | Marcus Smart, Dalton Knecht |
SF–Fwd | Rui Hachimura | Jake LaRavia, LeBron James |
PF | LeBron James | Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber |
C | DeAndre Ayton | Jaxson Hayes, Maxi Kleber |
Smart strengthens the guard rotation and addresses backcourt defense gaps Reuters+15Sportskeeda+15ESPN.com+15.
🔍 Key Takeaways
Elite Defense: Smart brings high-level perimeter defense—recognized by his 2022 DPOY award LAFB Network.
Price-Pocket Deal: The $11M contract includes a second-year option, offering roster flexibility Diario AS+1SI+1.
Depth & Leadership: His veteran presence gives rookie and young guards a model to follow.
Roster Moves: To accommodate Smart, Lakers will waive Shake Milton (and possibly Jordan Goodwin) Wikipedia+7Reuters+7NBC Sports+7.
Chemistry with Luka: Intellectual fit—Dončić's involvement suggests a strong on-court synergy The Times of India.
📈 Impacts on 2025–26 Outlook
Defensive Upgrade: Off-season built around strengthening defense with Ayton and Smart—solves perimeter issues from last season The Times of IndiaLos Angeles Times.
Mentor Role: Smart’s playoff and championship experience offers mentorship to younger guards like Gabe Vincent and Bronny James.
Title Hopes: With Luka arriving mid-season and LeBron featuring again, Smart's role could be pivotal in tight playoff games.
❓ FAQs
Q: What are Smart’s contract details?A: Two years, $11 million with a player option in Year 2—structured around the luxury cap’s bi-annual exception NBC Sports+15Reuters+15Sportskeeda+15The Times of IndiaNew York Post+9ESPN.com+9Diario AS+9.
Q: Why did Smart pick the Lakers?A: Luka Dončić’s pitch and the role opportunity—a defensive anchor next to stars—sealed the deal ReutersBleacher Report.
Q: Who gets waived to fit him in?A: Shake Milton is set to be waived; Jordan Goodwin might follow to clear cap space ESPN.com+4SI+4Diario AS+4.
Q: How will he affect rotation?A: Smart will rotate between PG/SG, strengthening Los Angeles’ bench defense and providing key spark in late-game situations.
Q: Does he shoot well?A: Not outside—career around 32% from three—his value lies in defense and hustle Diario ASReuters.
🔗 Internal & External Links
Internal: Check our 2025–26 Lakers roster outlook and Luka Dončić’s midseason impact post.
External:
Reuters report on Smart’s buyout and Lakers plan Reuters
Spanish analysis of his arrival via AS Diario AS
Depth chart breakdown from Fadeaway World Fadeaway World+1Fadeaway World+1
✅ Final Word
Marcus Smart’s signing addresses a glaring defensive need for the Lakers while offering leadership and backcourt depth. As the team enters the Luka-led era, his grit, playoff experience, and defensive instincts could be the difference-maker in tight postseason clashes.
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