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Veteran point guard Marcus Smart is poised to join the Los Angeles Lakers after being released by the Washington Wizards on Saturday, as per various reports. The initial information was brought to light by NBA insider Marc Stein.
BREAKING: The Wizards and Marcus Smart are approaching a buyout agreement, according to @TheSteinLine, and it’s anticipated that the Lakers will be the leading candidates to secure Smart once he passes through waivers. pic.twitter.com/JjMv1dEKTP
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 19, 2025
BREAKING: Sources informed ESPN that Marcus Smart has finalized a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and plans to ink a two-year, $11 million agreement with the Los Angeles Lakers after clearing waivers. This marks a significant return for the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/8g9Bxzz11E
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 19, 2025
In a development that surprised few, Marcus Smart and the Wizards have finalized a buyout agreement on Saturday. The 31-year-old is expected to join the Lakers using their bi-annual exception once he clears waivers, as reported by @TheAthletic: https://t.co/O1jF3Q3QQ9
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 19, 2025
Smart, who was named 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 9.0 points and 3.2 assists last season, appearing in 34 games split between the Grizzlies and Wizards. He spent the first nine years of his NBA career with the Boston Celtics.
The anticipated agreement with the Lakers is said to utilize the $5.6 million bi-annual exception, offsetting a significant portion of the $6.8 million he will forgo with the Wizards. Additionally, the deal is expected to include a player option for the second year, allowing Smart to re-enter free agency should the arrangement prove successful.
