As the summer inches closer to its end, the 2025-2026 NBA season is beginning to take shape. Teams are making moves left and right, including the Lakers, who recently added Marcus Smart to bolster the team’s defense after a first-round exit this past postseason.

Marcus Smart recently signed a new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, bringing that team a level of experience and backcourt expertise that they need. But before he agreed to terms with them, multiple other squads were looking at Smart.

Heat Eyeing Warriors’ NBA Champion Defensive Guard After Marcus Smart-Lakers News originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Miami Heat have continued to strike out on key free agents throughout the 2025 NBA offseason.

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to straddle the fence between building for a future with Luka Dončić and trying to win now with a core of Dončić and LeBron James. Also caught in the middle is 2024 first-round pick Dalton Knecht.

Marcus Smart is heading out west. The veteran forward has agreed to a buyout of his contract by the Wizards, and he “intends” to sign a two-year, $11 million contract with the Lakers, ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported Saturday.

Shortly after he officially signed his two-year, $11 million contract with the Lakers, Smart said he hadn't heard from LeBron James. James has been noticeably quiet this offseason ever since he exercised his player option and his agent, Rich Paul, issued that infamous statement that many interpreted as a prelude to a potential trade request.

Marcus Smart joins Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year deal. Luka Doncic played a key role in convincing Smart. Doncic highlighted Smart's defensive skills and veteran leadership. Smart chose Lakers over other teams because of Doncic's involvement.