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The two players the LA Lakers could waive to complete $11m Marcus Smart deal, there’s a deadline

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network | By Dan Coombs | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 6:12 PM ET

The LA Lakers are on the verge of signing Marcus Smart, with his spell at the Washington Wizards set to come to an end.

For the second time this offseason the LA Lakers are set to become the beneficiaries of a buyout.

After the Lakers snapped up Deandre Ayton in free agency, they are now set to sign Marcus Smart.

Shams Charania reports Marcus Smart is set to agree a buyout from his Washington Wizards contract, and from there he will agree a deal with the LA Lakers.

He reports: “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.”

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

LA Lakers need to waive Shake Milton

The LA Lakers need to create roster and salary cap space to add Marcus Smart to their roster once he clears waivers.

ESPN’s Bobby Marks says the Lakers need to free up space, and believes Shake Milton will make way imminently.

Milton is set to earn a $3 million guarantee if he is still on the roster on Sunday July 20. The Lakers are $909,000 below the first apron.

Marks explains: “The Lakers are $909K below the first apron and will need to clear out salary in order to use the $5.1M biannual exception. The $3M salary of Shake Milton is set to become guaranteed on Sunday.”

The Lakers are $909K below the first apron and will need to clear out salary in order to use the $5.1M biannual exception.

The $3M salary of Shake Milton is set to become guaranteed on Sunday. https://t.co/Ytkh4o4bJT
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 19, 2025

Milton was acquired in a trade in December 2024, and played 30 times in the regular season, starting once.

Jordan Goodwin future also uncertain

Jordan Goodwin‘s future on the Lakers is also uncertain. He is owed £2.3 million, with only $25,000 guaranteed.

The $2.3M contract of Jordan Goodwin has $25K in salary protection. https://t.co/Wzerhw3ikZ
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 19, 2025

Smart is a veteran presence who would be useful for the Lakers’ aims to ‘win now’ . He has valuable contender experience with the Boston Celtics.

He began last season with the Memphis Grizzlies, before being traded to the Wizards last season. Now he is set for a fresh start, once the Lakers get their books in order.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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