The Los Angeles Lakers are finalizing their roster ahead of the upcoming NBA season, looking to strengthen their title chances and keep stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic satisfied. Their latest addition: Marcus Smart, a veteran guard and former Defensive Player of the Year.

As is often the case in the business side of basketball, roster moves come with collateral damage. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers waived Shake Milton—whose $3 million contract would have become fully guaranteed today—to make room for Smart. The decision saves the franchise money while bringing in a more impactful player in Smart, who offers championship experience and elite defensive pedigree.

According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, the Lakers already have a timeline for making the deal official. “Because of the timing of when he was waived (after 4 p.m. CT today), Smart will officially clear waivers at 4 p.m. CT on Wednesday and then be eligible to sign with the Lakers,” Buha reported.

Smart split last season between the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards, averaging 9.0 points, 3.2 assists, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. At 30 years old, his production has dipped slightly, but context matters—nobody on the Wizards had a standout season. This move presents Smart with a chance at redemption and an opportunity to prove he still belongs among the league’s elite defenders.

The Lakers have been in need of a tough-minded defender since losing Dorian Finney-Smith earlier this summer, and Smart checks every box. The 2021–22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year became the first point guard to win the honor since Gary Payton in 1996. He’s also earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors three times.

There’s no question that Smart is a valuable signing for the Lakers, particularly considering their defensive shortcomings. His presence could also help silence some of the criticism aimed at Luka Doncic regarding his defense, easing that burden on the team’s new co-star.

What remains to be seen is how head coach JJ Redick will structure the rotation to maximize Smart’s impact. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, the Lakers appear committed to giving James, Doncic, and now Smart the tools to make a serious run at the 2025-26 NBA championship.