Lakers Have Made Decision on Key Free Agent: Insider

Lakers Have Made Decision on Key Free Agent: Insider

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly keen on retaining free agent Marcus Smart, even if the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year turns down his $5.3M player option for the 2026-27 season.According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, the Lakers don’t want to lose Smart, their best defensive player in the 2025-26 season, to another team in free agency.“Smart, whom [Luka] Doncic recruited in free agency [in 2025], could opt out of his deal and seek a lo…

Luka Doncic Apparently Recruited a Player the Lakers Reportedly Want to Retain

Luka Doncic (Image Credits: Imagn) The Los Angeles Lakers made several roster moves that paid off during the 2025-26 season. While the Luka Doncic trade was the highlight earlier, few worked out better than the addition of Marcus Smart. Now, after an impressive bounce-back campaign in Los Angeles, Smart’s future has suddenly become one of the more intriguing storylines facing the Lakers this offseason. According to reporting from The Athletic, S…