Los Angeles Lakers waive Shake Milton to clear path for Marcus Smart's $11 million deal after Wizards buyout

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The Los Angeles Lakers are shaking things up by letting go of guard Shake Milton, making room for the addition of veteran defensive ace Marcus Smart. This move, announced on July 20, 2025, shows the Lakers' strategic aim to strengthen their defense while keeping an eye on their salary cap.

With Smart coming on board for a two-year, $11 million contract after a buyout from the Washington Wizards, saying goodbye to Milton is a key step in the Lakers' offseason strategy.

Shake Milton joined Los Angeles Lakers midseason through D’Angelo Russell trade

The Lakers' decision to part ways with Shake Milton was a strategic one, motivated by financial and roster needs. Milton joined the squad midseason in the D’Angelo Russell trade and was on a fully non-guaranteed $3 million contract for the 2025-26 season.

The team had a deadline of July 20, 2025, to either guarantee his contract or waive him. By waiving him, the Lakers managed to avoid the salary commitment, thus freeing up $3 million in cap space and creating an opening on the roster.

Shams Charania of ESPN broke the news, tweeting, “The Los Angeles Lakers have waived guard Shake Milton, sources tell ESPN. Milton’s $3 million contract for next season would have become fully guaranteed today.

Lakers are clearing space for signing of Marcus Smart.”Milton's experience with the Lakers wasn't exactly impressive. In 30 games, he put up an average of just 3.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. He did have some standout moments, particularly when he scored 21 points on 7-8 shooting against the Wizards on January 31 in a 134-96 victory for the Lakers, but his overall influence was pretty small.

Marcus Smart agrees to two-year eleven million dollar deal after Wizards buyout

Marcus Smart is the key player in this roster overhaul.

Following a contract buyout agreement with the Washington Wizards, where he was owed $21.5 million for the 2025-26 season, Smart has become a free agent. After he clears waivers, he plans to ink a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers, as reported by Shams Charania.

Charania told ESPN, “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, sources tell ESPN.”

The deal includes a player option for the second year, giving Smart the chance to test free agency again in 2026.

As a three-time All-Defense first-team choice and the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, he’s celebrated for his relentless spirit and skill in shutting down rivals at the point of attack. The Lakers have faced challenges with perimeter defense in recent years, and Smart’s joining the team directly addresses that gap.

Shake Milton’s three million dollar contract waived to open cap space

Bringing Marcus Smart on board wasn’t just about letting Milton go; it took some skillful maneuvering around the NBA’s salary cap regulations. The Lakers are tapping into their bi-annual exception (BAE), which allows teams to sign players to contracts up to a certain limit without impacting their cap, as long as they remain under the first apron. Smart’s two-year, $11 million contract fits nicely within the BAE, but the Lakers had to create some room to make it happen.Dropping Milton’s $3 million contract was a decent beginning, but it fell short. Cap expert Yossi Gozlan commented on the matter on Twitter, saying, “Lakers can sign Marcus Smart to two years, $11 million with the full bi-annual exception.Also Read: Dan Dakich calls Shaquille O’Neal a “fat a**” in wild rant after Shaq threatens Robert Griffin IIIThey’ll need to clear about $4.2 million to gain access to the full amount while staying below the first apron. Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin are on non-guaranteed contracts.” This insight, shared with Gozlan’s followers, indicates that the Lakers still need to shed roughly $1.2 million more in salary.