THE LOS Angeles Lakers have officially signed defensive ace Marcus Smart to a two-year, $11 million contract, further bolstering a powerhouse lineup led by Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
Smart’s signing on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning in the Philippines) comes after he reached a buyout agreement with the Washington Wizards over the weekend.
The 31-year-old guard is expected to bring his trademark grit and defensive toughness, a role that made him a cornerstone during his stints with the Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, and Wizards.
The addition of Smart gives the Lakers arguably the league’s most complete starting backcourt, pairing his defensive tenacity with Dončić’s elite playmaking and LeBron’s all-around dominance.
With DeAndre Ayton anchoring the middle and Jake LaRavia adding depth, Los Angeles is shaping up to be one of the contenders for the 2025–26 NBA championship.
Meanwhile, Houston Rockets landed defensive forward Josh Okogie on a one-year, $3.1 million deal, per Shams Charania of ESPN.
Known for his energy and wing defense the 26-year-old joins a roster that made headlines with the blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant.
Okogie, who played for Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets last season, posted career highs in shooting efficiency last season but appeared in only 40 games.
Free agent forward Blake Wesley inked a one-year deal with Portland Trail Blazers as part of their depth-building moves.
Veteran sharpshooter Doug McDermott, for his part, has signed a one-year contract to return to the Sacramento Kings./PN
