League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Lakers' Marcus Smart expected to opt out and test free agency

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 5:04 AM

Last updated Jun 15, 2026

Lakers' Marcus Smart expected to opt out and test free agency

Summary

Marcus Smart, currently under contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, plans to opt out and explore free agency. Smart signed a deal with a player option, anticipating a higher contract after a successful season. Reports indicate he could command a salary exceeding his current $10.5 million, influenced by his valuable performance and chemistry with teammates Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. His potential departure would significantly impact the Lakers' lineup this offseason as they aim to improve following a subdued previous offseason.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

What We Know

•Smart holds a player option for next season.
•His market value is estimated at $11.6 million.
•Smart has been an important defensive asset for the Lakers.
•Lakers' offseason strategy is heavily influenced by Smart's decision.

Latest Updates

5:04 AMYahoo Sports — Lakers' $10.5M defensive menace reportedly to test free agency, seek bigger contract

What they're saying

"
The NBA offseason is going to be huge for the Lakers. It seems as if this Laker is going to test the waters and opt out of his contract.
— Yahoo Sports

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