The Los Angeles Lakers helped Marcus Smart prove he is still a starter and an impactful defender, which should have the former Defensive Player of the Year declining his player option. Smart will get significantly more than $5.3 million next season in free agency. He made $20.2 million in 2025 and $19.9 million last season when factoring in his buyout from the Washington Wizards. Smart should and will chase similar dollars on the open market.
The Lakers have cap space, but they’d only have Non-Bird rights on Smart. That means it would likely take cap space or the non-taxpayer mid-level exception to bring him back. Los Angeles will certainly have interest. Luka Doncic has plenty of say over the roster and convinced Smart to join the Lakers. It is safe to say the superstar wants the stout defender back.
Smart will at least double his salary if he declines his player option. It is a no-brainer for the 32-year-old after he restored his value with the Lakers. Fans were writing Smart off at the end of his Celtics tenure, but no more. He proved he is still a starter and stout defender this season.
Marcus Smart should decline his player option with the Lakers
Smart averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 28.5 minutes per game. Those numbers are down from his days in Boston, but the Lakers were 8.4 points per 100 possessions better with Smart on the floor in the regular season. His energy, communication, hustle, and basketball IQ helped LA, especially in the second half of the season, as their defense improved.
This is a bittersweet reality for the Lakers. They helped him restore his value and benefited from his leadership. The purple and gold would love to keep him on the roster for just $5.3 million next season, but Smart knows he can get significantly more in free agency.
The Lakers could keep him. They have cap space and need a point of attack defender. Smart can handle the ball and make plays. He is a below-average 3-point shooter, but the positives outweigh the negatives. It is all about working out a deal that suits all parties involved.
Los Angeles must improve their roster around Luka Doncic to become a serious title contender. Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, Jaxson Hayes, and Maxi Kleber are all headed to unrestricted free agency. Deandre Ayton and Smart have player options to decide on. The Lakers must figure out who to retain and how to improve.
Smart wanting a raise only further complicates those matters. They are unlikely to find a better point of attack defender, but how much can Los Angeles afford to pay? It will depend on what other moves the franchise plans on making.
Marcus Smart had a bounce-back season with the Los Angeles Lakers. He should decline his player option and get a raise on the open market. The Lakers would love to bring him back, but will have to pay to do it. That is how the NBA works. Fans can’t be mad at Smart for earning more money.
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