However, Charania’s well-respected co-worker, Bobby Marks, wisely pointed out that the Lakers need to clear space if they want to use the $5.1 million bi-annual exception to land Smart. The Lakers took a step in the right direction on Sunday by cutting ties with a recently acquired 6-foot-5 guard.

The Lakers are waiving guard Shake Milton and his $3 million contract for the 2025-26 season, according to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania. The move is part of a broader cap-clearing effort as Los Angeles prepares to officially add veteran guard Marcus Smart.

Marcus Smart was expected to be bought out by the Wizards this summer, it was just unclear where he could end up as a free agent. In a surprise move, Smart plans to sign a two-year deal with the Lakers,

Luka Doncic has now taken that role, and he is already utilizing some of those nuances with the latest Los Angeles Lakers transaction. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, before Marcus Smart agreed to a buyout with the Washington Wizards,