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Marcus Smart Joins Lakers Following Luka Doncic’s Recruitment

He arrives on a two-year, $11 million contract after his Wizards buyout to bolster perimeter defense under a Doncic-led rebuild.

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LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers plays the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter at Ball Arena on February 22, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.
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Overview

  • Smart signed a two-year, $11 million deal with Los Angeles on July 22 after agreeing to a buyout with the Washington Wizards.
  • Luka Doncic personally reached out to Smart multiple times, tipping the scales in the Lakers’ favor over offers from the Bucks and Suns.
  • Smart said he expects boos from Celtics fans at TD Garden and is prepared to embrace the hostile reception.
  • He confirmed he has not yet spoken with LeBron James since signing and plans to connect when James is available.
  • The Lakers’ addition of Smart follows earlier low-cost signings of DeAndre Ayton and Jake LaRavia as the franchise prioritizes defensive intensity around its stars.