Marcus Smart Joins Lakers After Wizards Buyout

Marcus Smart joins Lakers after Wizards buyout, reshaping Washington's roster with young talent like Tre Johnson and Cam Whitmore.

Orlando Magic v Washington Wizards — Source: G Fiume / Getty

Washington, D.C. — The Washington Wizards and veteran guard Marcus Smart have parted ways, as the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year agreed to a buyout and is set to join the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $11 million deal. Smart, who averaged a career-low 20 minutes per game last season due to injuries, will now look to rejuvenate his career alongside All-NBA star Luka Dončić in Los Angeles.

Smart’s tenure with the Wizards was brief but impactful. Acquired in a trade with Memphis, he brought leadership and defensive tenacity to a young Washington roster. Despite battling injuries, Smart contributed 8.3 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in 54 appearances. His departure leaves a void in the Wizards’ backcourt, but it also signals a continued focus on their rebuilding efforts.

The Wizards have been active this offseason, reshaping their roster with an eye toward the future. They recently acquired promising forward Cam Whitmore from Houston and selected standout rookies Tre Johnson and Will Riley in the NBA Draft. Johnson, the sixth overall pick, is expected to provide immediate scoring, while Riley’s versatility adds depth to the frontcourt.

For the Lakers, Smart’s arrival addresses a critical need for a point-of-attack defender following the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith. The team waived Shake Milton to make room for Smart, who will have a player option for the 2026 free agency.

As the Wizards continue to develop their young core, Smart’s move to Los Angeles marks the end of a short chapter in Washington and the beginning of a new opportunity on the West Coast.

SOURCE | ESPN

SEE ALSO

Marcus Smart Joins Lakers After Wizards Buyout was originally published on woldcnews.com