The move is a calculated push by the Lakers to inject proven defense, leadership, and playoff experience into a backcourt that has lacked toughness since last year’s postseason exit.

Smart’s buyout came after an underwhelming half-season in Washington, where injuries limited him to 34 games following a trade from Memphis. Though not at full strength, Smart still anchored opposing guards and provided glimpses of the disruptive force he was during his time in Boston—where he helped lead the Celtics to multiple deep playoff runs and an appearance in the 2022 Finals.

Sources from ESPN and The Athletic confirmed the Lakers used a bi-annual exception to complete the deal, creating cap space by waiving guard Jordan Goodwin. Smart reportedly turned down interest from other contenders, including Phoenix and Milwaukee.

Luka Dončić’s Recruiting Effort Pays Off

A key figure in luring Smart to LA was none other than All-NBA star Luka Dončić. According to reports, Dončić personally reached out to Smart in the days leading up to free agency and sold him on the Lakers’ vision for contention. For a player like Smart, whose competitive fire has defined his career, Dončić’s pitch resonated.

Dončić didn’t simply sell the franchise’s legacy. Instead, he outlined Smart’s on-court role as a defensive catalyst and vocal leader—two qualities that Dončić highlighted as essential for the locker room and late-game execution. Sources around the league describe Dončić’s effort as unusually hands-on, indicating his growing influence in roster construction and overall team strategy.

Smart, in interviews with NBA Today and reporters before the agreement was finalized, expressed a desire to return to playoff contention, calling it “a priority” in free agency. Dončić’s call—and the Lakers' promise of a significant two-way role—proved to be the deciding factors.

What Smart Brings to the Lakers

Though Smart has battled injuries over the last two seasons, his defensive pedigree remains elite. He is a three-time member of the All-Defensive First Team and one of the league’s premier perimeter stoppers. Equally important, he is known for his leadership and playoff savvy, qualities the Lakers’ younger supporting cast will benefit from immediately.

Offensively, Smart is a capable secondary playmaker who can run the offense in stretches and space the floor when needed. While his shooting remains inconsistent, his ability to make timely plays in high-pressure moments has been one of his defining traits.

In joining Dončić and the Lakers, Smart revitalizes his competitive path while giving Los Angeles the kind of defensive edge that championship teams are built around. For a franchise with title aspirations and a superstar ready to lead, Smart’s arrival could be the missing piece.