Marcus Smart Opts Out of Lakers Contract, Hits Free Agency

WHO:

NY Post - Nick Smith Jr. is now an unrestricted free agent after the Lakers declined his $2.5 million team option for the 2026-27 season.

RealGM Basketball - Deandre Ayton, represented by Bill Duffy and Nima Namakian, has opted into his $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

NY Post - Marcus Smart, Los Angeles Lakers

RealGM Basketball - Marcus Smart, Ime Udoka, Jason Glushon, Josh Ketroser

WHAT:

NY Post - The Lakers' decision to decline Smith's option will provide them with over $50 million in cap space entering free agency.

RealGM Basketball - Ayton averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in 27.2 minutes across 72 games for the Lakers during the previous season.

NY Post - Smart declined his player option with the Lakers.

RealGM Basketball - Smart declined a $5.4 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent.

RealGM Basketball - Smart appeared in 62 games with the Lakers last season, averaging 9.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 28.5 minutes.

WHERE:

NY Post - Los Angeles Lakers

WHEN:

NY Post - The Lakers will enter free agency on Tuesday.

NY Post - Smart had until Monday to make a decision on his contract option.

WHY:

RealGM Basketball - The Lakers are believed to be prioritizing an addition at the center position this offseason.

RealGM Basketball - Smart has been linked with interest from the Houston Rockets this offseason.

HOW:

RealGM Basketball - Smart's decision was part of a two-year, $10.5 million deal he signed with the Lakers last year.

Nick Smith Jr. is now an unrestricted free agent after the Lakers declined his $2.5 million team option for the upcoming season. This decision will give the Lakers over $50 million in cap space as they prepare for free agency. The team will officially enter free agency on Tuesday.