Lakers plan to sign 6-foot-3 former Celtics DPOY, fan favorite guard
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, a former Boston Celtics Defensive Player of the Year and fan favorite guard, plans to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers.
'Marcus Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after clearing waivers,' Charania wrote on X/Twitter Saturday. 'A return to a grand stage for the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.'
'Smart, a three-time All-Defense first team guard, will have a player option on his new Lakers deal to enter a more flush 2026 free agency, sources said. Point of attack defender was a position of need for L.A. as well -- with Luka Doncic recruiting and reaching out to Smart.'
Smart is an ideal fit with the Doncic and LeBron-led Lakers.
Although the Oklahoma State product's previous two NBA campaigns with the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards were stressful, his track record suggests he can be a high-level asset in the right system.
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Smart is a physical on-ball defender who has consistently proven he can beat opponents to their preferred destination on the hardwood.
The 6-foot-3 guard's championship quest with the Celtics came up short on nine consecutive occasions, but there's no doubt he helped the franchise remain competitive during his near-decade-long stint.
The Lakers' offseason should be viewed as a success once Smart officially joins the organization.
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