The 2025-26 season is Marcus Smart’s 12th year in the NBA. It is his first with the Los Angeles Lakers. In the 2025 offseason, the Wizards agreed to a contract buyout with Smart.
He then signed a two-year, $11 million contract with Los Angeles. Smart is on the books for $5.13 million in 2025-26. Additionally, he has a $5.39 million player option in 2026-27. As of December 15, Marcus Smart became available for trade. NBA insider Jake Fischer said it’s “difficult” to see the Lakers making Marcus Smart available in 2025-26.
Marcus Smart is reportedly not on the trade block for the Lakers
In his first season with the Lakers, Marcus Smart has appeared in 16 of the team’s 25 games. Smart missed a few games in late November/early December with a back injury. The 31-year-old has started 10 of his 16 appearances with the Lakers. He’s averaging 27.2 minutes per game for head coach JJ Redick. That is Smart’s largest role since the 2023-24 season with Memphis. Additionally, Marcus Smart is averaging 10.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.
NBA insider Jake Fischer revealed that the Bucks have shown interest in Marcus Smart. Milwaukee is desperately attempting to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo on the roster. However, Fischer said it’s “difficult” to see Los Angeles parting ways with Smart. First off, he’s playing a legitimate role on the Lakers roster this season. While the team is having success offensively, Los Angeles is a bottom-10 team when it comes to defense.
Marcus Smart on the Lakers’ meeting yesterday: “It exposed us a lot, which we already knew….The scouting report against us is we’re not guarding people. And if we want to be great in this league and do what we’re trying to do, you have to be able to guard.” pic.twitter.com/EitQcMvnAr
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) December 13, 2025
It doesn’t make sense for the team to part ways with a defensive-minded player like Marcus Smart. The veteran guard is a player that head coach JJ Redick can ask to play a variety of roles. Smart can be effective as a starter or off the bench for Los Angeles. Despite missing nine games, Marcus Smart has been an important piece on the roster. The Lakers are 12-4 in the 16 games he’s played this season.
Secondly, Marcus Smart is on a team-friendly contract. He’s making just over $5 million this season. That is a steal for the production he’s given the team. After bouncing around the past few seasons, Marcus Smart is playing with a chip on his shoulder in 2025-26. He’s been a valuable veteran presence for the Lakers. Barring an unforeseen deal, expect Smart to finish the 2025-26 season with LA.
