Behind-the-scenes recruiting, roster influence, and a glow-up show Luka Doncic's silent takeover in Los Angeles.

The Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks seriously pursued Smart, who received permission to speak to teams along with his agent, Jason Glushon, and had positive conversations with personnel from all three teams, sources said. After losing Dorian Finney-Smith, a point-of-attack wing defender was a major position of need for the Lakers.

The Boston Celtics never held serious talks with Marcus Smart leading up to his buyout with the Washington Wizards according to an insider.

The Milwaukee Bucks are waiving superstar point guard Damian Lillard, using the stretch provision in the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement. Lions coach Dan Campbell says he still likes the team's defensive line depth, but they'll begin the season without two top defensive tackles.

Before Marcus Smart landed with the Los Angeles Lakers, the New York Knicks were very much in the mix to sign the veteran guard. However, the latest reporting has revealed why Smart ultimately passed on New York.

Marcus Smart signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Lakers in July 2025. The move is very similar to Rajon Rondo

At the start of the 2025 offseason, Rob Pelinka was under heavy fire. The Lakers had just been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Dorian Finney-Smith, their best perimeter defender and an elite two-way wing, left in free agency.

Take a look at Marcus Smart's best plays from the last two seasons as he plans to join the Lakers after a contract buyout with the Wizards.