Lakers sign Marcus Smart and face financial restrictions

The Lakers have made significant moves in free agency but face constraints after signing Marcus Smart.

Lakers face financial challenges after signing Marcus Smart

The Los Angeles Lakers have been active in free agency, recently signing Marcus Smart to a two-year deal worth $10.5 million. With this, they are now $1.1 million below the hard cap, which sets strict limitations on their spending until June 30, 2026. Earlier, the Lakers used their mid-level exception on Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia, placing them in a tight financial situation. They waived players Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin to make room for Smart, which leaves them with only one roster spot available. Filling this last position will likely take until mid-January 2026 due to salary cap constraints. The Lakers, however, can still make trades and sign players in the buyout market, providing some flexibility despite their financial limitations.

This situation reflects the delicate balance that the Lakers must maintain as they pursue championship aspirations. Their aggressive moves indicate a commitment to competitiveness, but they also underline the financial risks involved in building a playoff-caliber team. The decision to waive players like Milton and Goodwin illustrates the precarious nature of roster management under a hard cap. If key players get injured, the Lakers could find themselves in a precarious position without adequate depth, especially with Bronny James still untested as a rookie. The offseason strategy highlights a potential conflict between short-term gains and long-term flexibility, especially if they struggle early in the season.

Highlights

The long-term implications of these signings may shape the Lakers' roster dynamics significantly throughout the season.