The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant offseason addition by signing veteran guard Marcus Smart to a two-year, $11 million contract.
The deal was finalized following his buyout with the Washington Wizards, representing a strategic move to strengthen the team’s defense and veteran leadership.
Smart has also made his mark by selecting a jersey number with historical significance for the franchise.
“Marcus Smart will continue wearing No. 36 – the first player in Laker history to wear that number,” NBA Lakers Report shared.
REPORT: Marcus Smart will continue wearing No. 36 – the first player in Laker history to wear that number pic.twitter.com/hSEgrBrFze
— NBALakersReport (@NBALakersReport) July 20, 2025
The acquisition brings proven defensive credentials to Los Angeles.
Smart earned the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year award and has three All-Defensive First Team selections on his resume.
Despite playing only 54 games over the past two seasons due to injuries, his defensive intensity and leadership qualities remain intact.
The Lakers struggled to contain elite guards during their playoff run last season. Smart addresses that specific weakness while replacing Dorian Finney-Smith, who departed in free agency.
His addition creates a better balance on a roster built around LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
The signing was executed using the bi-annual exception after the Lakers waived Shake Milton and his non-guaranteed $3 million contract.
Smart’s deal includes a player option for 2026, providing him flexibility moving forward.
Questions about Smart’s health and offensive consistency persist. He shoots 32.4% from three-point range for his career, which could limit spacing.
However, the Lakers are banking on his defensive presence and playoff experience to help reshape their identity as they pursue another championship run.
The move signals the Lakers’ commitment to addressing their perimeter defense concerns while adding another veteran voice to their locker room.
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