Lakers aim to keep Marcus Smart if veteran declines option
lakers-interested-in-keeping-marcus-smart-offseason
The Los Angeles Lakers intend to pursue a new agreement with guard Marcus Smart should he decline his $5.39 million player option for the 2026-27 season, according to a report by Dan Woike and Sam Amick of The Athletic.
Smart, 32, signed with Los Angeles last summer after personal recruitment from Luka Doncic. Although he opened the year as a reserve, the three-time All-Defensive selection moved into the starting lineup to provide on-ball defense next to Doncic and Austin Reaves. His role grew during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where he served as a primary scorer and facilitator while continuing to anchor the perimeter defense.
The veteran’s bounce-back campaign followed two injury-plagued seasons and is expected to generate interest in a longer, higher-value deal. If Smart tests free agency, the Lakers would need to weigh his cost against several other roster decisions.
Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes are all headed to unrestricted free agency, while center Deandre Ayton holds a player option of his own. Head coach JJ Redick has acknowledged the importance of roster improvements but also emphasized continuity as the franchise seeks to return to championship contention.
Source: LakersNation.com
