The Los Angeles Lakers received the best news possible on Saturday.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Western Conference organization in need of a point-of-attack defender would soon get their wish.
“Marcus Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after clearing waivers,” Charania said. “A return to a grand stage for the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.”
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 Los Angeles Lakers have waived guard Shake Milton,” Charania announced on X/Twitter. “Milton’s $3 million contract for next season would have become fully guaranteed today. Lakers are clearing space for signing of Marcus Smart.”
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On Dec. 29, the Lakers traded Maxwell Lewis, De’Angelo Russell, and three future second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Milton.
Milton was used sparingly by JJ Redick during the second portion of the 2024-25 campaign.
The 28-year-old averaged 3.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game in 30 contests with Los Angeles, shooting 43.3% from the field and 29.4% from three.
Milton is in no means a terrible player, but considering Smart is a priority asset for the Lakers, the SMU product’s services are no longer needed.
Although Los Angeles must make another move to bring Smart on board this summer, waiving Milton was a positive start.
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