Say goodbye to the Lakers! It is said that he successfully signed Smart, the 28-year-old champion is about to be cut

July 20th According to the latest report by the NBA authoritative journalist Shams Charania, league sources confirmed that experienced backcourt champion Marcus Smart has completed a buyout agreement with the Washington Wizards. The player, known for his defense and tough ball style, will quickly join the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year contract worth $11 million.

In order to sign Smart, the Lakers decisively cleared the lineup space

In order to successfully sign Smart, the Lakers management quickly made personnel adjustments. According to follow-up reports by senior ESPN reporters, the Lakers have decided to sack guard Shaq Milton to free up the team's valuable roster spot.

It is worth noting that Milton's contract worth $3 million next season will be officially converted to full protection this Sunday (local time). This means that the Lakers chose to complete layoffs before the guarantee date, avoiding paying their salary in full.

Milton, 28, came to Los Angeles in a tripartite deal involving the Lakers, Nets and Mavericks in December last year, and the same group arrived also by Finney Smith and Tangelo Russell. As a veteran who has been playing in the league for seven years, Milton has limited opportunities in 30 games in his 30 games for the Lakers, averaging 3.9 points (43.3% shooting percentage), 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists, and only got one starting chance during this period.

The Lakers' backcourt ushered in a strong upgrade

Smart's joining is undoubtedly a significant upgrade to the depth and resilience of the Lakers' backcourt. The former best defensive player winner will bring much-needed defensive hardness, leadership and experience at critical moments to James and Davis. Milton, who gave up his mediocre performance, quickly locked in Smart, and also clearly demonstrated the Lakers management's determination to actively strengthen and optimize the lineup before the start of the new season.

According to league sources, after completing the buyout process, Smart is expected to sign an official contract with the Lakers soon. This defensive champion is about to wear a purple gold suit, becoming an important puzzle for the Lakers to make the new season.