Lakers' $10.5M defensive menace reportedly to test free agency, seek bigger contract

The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for an offseason that is expected to be their biggest since Luka Doncic arrived. The franchise's future will largely be shaped by the moves it makes this summer.

Last offseason, the Lakers were unable to make many significant additions. One of their biggest moves came when Doncic helped recruit Marcus Smart to Los Angeles.

“News broke Saturday that the Los Angeles Lakers, following the Washington Wizards' buyout of veteran guard Marcus Smart, plan to sign the three-time All-Defense first team member to a two-year contract after he clears waivers. And as it turns out, the Lakers' front office received an assist from five-time All-Star Luka Doncic, who helped recruit Smart to Hollywood. Doncic reached out to Smart and emphasized how much he wanted to play with the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, according to Shams Charania of ESPN,” SI’s Tim Capurso wrote.

Smart proved to be a valuable addition, bringing tenacity on the defensive end while fitting seamlessly alongside Austin Reaves and Doncic.

“Beyond checking multiple boxes on the court, Smart was also a successful case study of the type of players who succeed around Dončić and Reaves. The fluidity and chemistry between the trio were evident as lineups featuring Smart, Reaves and Dončić had an incredible +22.1 net rating. For context, that was the best mark among all 3-man pairings last season,” Silver Screen and Roll’s Alex Regla wrote.

Smart holds a player option for next season, leaving his future with the Lakers uncertain. The Athletic’s John Hollinger believes he will test free agency.

“Smart signed his deal with a player option with the idea that he could get a payday this summer if he played well. He did. BORD$ now values him at $11.6 million, so he can confidently test the market,” Hollinger wrote.

Smart has been a tremendous defensive asset for the Lakers and has also provided timely offensive production. Losing him in free agency after he opts out of his contract would be a significant blow for Los Angeles.

Smart is currently playing on a $10.5 million contract with the Lakers. He is expected to command a higher salary in free agency, making his decision one of the more important storylines of the offseason. Ultimately, it may come down to whether he wants to remain in Los Angeles after enjoying his time with the organization last season.

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