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The Lakers have finalized a deal to bring experienced guard Marcus Smart on board with a two-year contract valued at $11 million. To make space for Smart, the team had to release two of their younger talents.
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Earlier on Sunday, the Lakers released 28-year-old Shake Milton, who played 30 games for the team in the 2024–25 season after coming over from the Nets. Milton was on the brink of having his $3 million salary guaranteed when he was waived, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Later that same day, Rob Pelinka and his team also decided to waive Jordan Goodwin, as reported by Charania. Goodwin, 26, had signed a two-way contract with the Lakers the previous season and had managed to secure a regular spot in the team’s lineup, appearing in 29 games with five starts. He averaged 18.7 minutes, 5.6 points, and 3.9 rebounds per game, and successfully made over 38% of his three-point attempts. Goodwin also played in four of the Lakers’ five postseason games.
These roster changes were crucial to accommodate Smart’s signing while keeping the team under the salary cap. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Lakers are now approximately $1 million below the salary cap’s first threshold following the releases of Milton and Goodwin.
Smart’s recruitment is a notable acquisition influenced by Luka Doncic as he begins to emerge as the franchise’s leading figure, taking over from LeBron James. It’s reported that Doncic personally reached out to Smart, expressing his interest in having him as a teammate, which led to the front office, led by Pelinka, securing the former Defensive Player of the Year and prominent player from the Celtics.
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Mike Johnson is a passionate news writer with a keen interest in current events. With over a decade of experience in journalism, he has a talent for uncovering the stories that matter most. Mike’s insightful articles and in-depth analyses have made him a trusted voice in the industry. He thrives on staying ahead of the news curve, providing readers with timely and relevant information. Whether it’s breaking news, politics, or social issues, Mike’s dedication to the craft ensures that his readers are always well-informed.