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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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The Los Angeles Lakers are having an intriguing offseason, with the world waiting to see what happens with superstar LeBron James ahead of his eventual retirement from the league.
This month, the team has already been busy addressing free agency, particularly with their starting players. Austin Reaves is reportedly going to sign a four-year, $151 million maximum contract with a player option in the final year.
Along with that, fellow starting player Deandre Ayton picked up his $8.1 million player option for the 2026–27 season, to opt out of becoming an unrestricted free agent.
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However, NBA insider Shams Charania reported on Monday that All-Defensive guard Marcus Smart declined his $5.4 million player option with the team to explore free agency.
Read more: Kendrick Perkins Rips Lakers’ Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves Plan
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Smart played in 62 of the Lakers' 82 games last season and started in 54, making him a key part of the lineup, with averages of 9.3 points, three assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.
He brought veteran experience to the lineup, having spent his first 10 seasons with the Boston Celtics. He's also a five-time All-Defensive First Team member during his career and was named the 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Smart definitely showed his value this past postseason, as a key member of the Lakers' starting lineup against the Houston Rockets while his teammate, Reaves, recovered from injury.
Smart had a 25-point performance in one win, and a 21-point, 10-assist double-double with five steals in an overtime win against Houston.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Smart initially came to the Lakers after underwhelming seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards, after All-Star Luka Doncic recruited him to join the team.
Many teams are likely looking to upgrade at the guard position, particularly when it comes to defensive-minded veterans. A glaring issue for the San Antonio Spurs in this month's NBA Finals loss is that they seemed to lack veteran leadership, aside from guard DeAaron Fox, who had his share of shooting woes and costly mistakes.
McMenamin also reported that when Smart was on the court for the Lakers, they outscored opponents by 256 points, further illustrating his value for a team willing to sign him in free agency.
Smart's big decision arrives as LeBron James' major decision on retirement or joining another team looms over the Lakers, making that likely the next big bit of news regarding the team. As of this writing, multiple teams have been rumored as the next team for LeBron, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors.
More news: James Harden’s Future With Cavaliers Receives Major Update: Report
For more about the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA, head to Newsweek Sports.
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