Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on from the team bench during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Lakers Waive Player After Signing Ex-Grizzlies Guard Marcus Smart

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 2:09 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers may not have made the major splash during the offseason that many were expecting, but they did add some key figures.

Most recently, the team added former Memphis Grizzlies and Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart. In the 2023-24 NBA season, the Grizzlies traded for Smart in hopes that he would make a major splash as a member of the starting lineup. Unfortunately, Smart only played a grand total of 26 games in two seasons from that point on - something that the Lakers have to hope won't happen for them.

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

In order for the Lakers to make room for Smart, LA has reportedly waived guard Shake Milton, according to Shams Charania.

Via @ShamsCharania: "The Los Angeles Lakers have waived guard Shake Milton, sources tell ESPN. Milton's $3 million contract for next season would have become fully guaranteed today. Lakers are clearing space for signing of Marcus Smart."

The Los Angeles Lakers have waived guard Shake Milton, sources tell ESPN. Milton's $3 million contract for next season would have become fully guaranteed today. Lakers are clearing space for signing of Marcus Smart.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 20, 2025

Marcus Smart will certainly be a gamble for the Los Angeles Lakers, but one they should definitely take. However, with the modern CBA restrictions, many teams have to take gambles on who they sign. The LA Clippers, for instance, just signed Bradley Beal, who also has a history of injuries.