Shortly after he officially signed his two-year, $11 million contract with the Lakers, Smart said he hadn't heard from LeBron James. James has been noticeably quiet this offseason ever since he exercised his player option and his agent, Rich Paul, issued that infamous statement that many interpreted as a prelude to a potential trade request.

As the summer inches closer to its end, the 2025-2026 NBA season is beginning to take shape. Teams are making moves left and right, including the Lakers, who recently added Marcus Smart to bolster the team’s defense after a first-round exit this past postseason.

Marcus Smart recently signed a new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, bringing that team a level of experience and backcourt expertise that they need. But before he agreed to terms with them, multiple other squads were looking at Smart.

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to straddle the fence between building for a future with Luka Dončić and trying to win now with a core of Dončić and LeBron James. Also caught in the middle is 2024 first-round pick Dalton Knecht.

Heat Eyeing Warriors’ NBA Champion Defensive Guard After Marcus Smart-Lakers News originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Miami Heat have continued to strike out on key free agents throughout the 2025 NBA offseason.

Marcus Smart joins Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year deal. Luka Doncic played a key role in convincing Smart. Doncic highlighted Smart's defensive skills and veteran leadership. Smart chose Lakers over other teams because of Doncic's involvement.

The Washington Wizards are trimming the fat. That’s because buyout agreements with guards Marcus Smart and Blake Wesley have reduced Washington’s cap figure by over $8 million, according to NBA cap insider Keith Smith of Spotrac.

Luka Doncic reportedly helped recruit Smart to the Lakers. In addition, a clip from "The Old Man & the Three" podcast has been unearthed where Lakers coach JJ Redick had some glowing things to say about the former Defensive Player of the Year. In the clip, which is from 2020, Redick said that Smart is the type of player he would want on his team.