As the Los Angeles Lakers continue retooling for 2025-26, Rob Pelinka and Co. have reportedly landed some veteran defensive help.
On Saturday, ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that former Celtics Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart is headed to the purple and gold on a two-year, $11 million deal after agreeing to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards.
BREAKING: 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, sources tell ESPN. A return to a grand stage for the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/8g9Bxzz11E
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 19, 2025
Fans reacted to LA’s most recent move on X:
“Noooooooooooo,” a Celtics fan replied.
“a guard that can play defense,” a member of Laker Nation applauded.
“Bronny getting mentored by Luka offensively and Marcus defensively,” a user pointed out.
“What if I just die,” another Bostonian commented.
“We got Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia and Ayton for cheap. Thank you Pelinka,” a Lakers fan danced.
“This is the worst day of my life,” Max Lederman posted.
“Yeah, that’s a brutal one for us Celtics fans. Marcus Smart was the heart and soul of Boston for nearly a decade… Grit, defense, hustle, and that unfiltered fire. Seeing him suit up for the Lakers, of all team??? The purple and piss just pissed me off,” another person said.
“LeBron has Luka, a former 1st overall pick, a top 5 SG and now the 2022 DPOY??? He literally has no excuses this season.”
© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
After nine years in Boston Smart has bounced between stints with the Grizzlies and Wizards in recent seasons where he’s taken on more of a reserve role.
Still just 31, we’ll see if a change of scenery out west can revitalize one of the NBA‘s best defenders out on the perimeter.
Related: Colin Cowherd Explains Why Dallas Cowboys Are ‘Trapped’ This Season