A Surprising Shake-Up in L.A.? Why the Lakers May Be Making Room for a Gritty New Arrival—and What It Says About Their 2025 Strategy. $9.1M Decision? Lakers Reportedly Set to Waive Key Guard to Clear Space for Marcus Smart—What This Bold Move Reveals.
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Lakers are once again dominating headlines—but not just for the star power or blockbuster trades fans have come to expect. This time, it’s a calculated financial decision that could reshape the team’s identity heading into the 2025–2026 NBA season.
According to reports, the Lakers are planning to waive Shake Milton, a $9,162,406 guard, in order to clear roster and cap space for the anticipated arrival of Marcus Smart. The 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year is expected to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the team, offering veteran toughness, elite perimeter defense, and championship experience.
A Strategic Roster Realignment
Milton, who joined the Lakers in a depth role, showed flashes of scoring ability but never fully cemented himself in the rotation. His relatively sizable salary made him a prime candidate for a cap-clearing move, especially in a franchise now aiming to rebuild its defensive identity under new leadership.
Marcus Smart’s acquisition would mark a strategic pivot for the Lakers, who are looking to toughen up their backcourt while maintaining enough flexibility around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
“The Lakers are betting big on grit and leadership,” said NBA analyst Chris Haynes. “Smart brings playoff savvy and emotional fire—something this roster lacked when the game slowed down in the postseason.”
What This Means for the Lakers’ 2025 Vision
The potential waiving of Milton underscores the Lakers’ new “win-now but wisely” philosophy. Rather than simply chasing star power, the front office appears focused on fit, defensive reliability, and locker room presence—qualities Marcus Smart embodies.
With Smart likely assuming a rotational guard role alongside D’Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent, the Lakers could deploy more versatile defensive schemes and create tougher matchups for opponents.
The Financial Gamble
Waiving Milton comes at a cost—not just in cap flexibility but also in terms of sunk value. However, if Smart delivers even a fraction of his impact from his Boston Celtics days, the move could pay off in the form of a deeper playoff run.
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka has remained tight-lipped, but insiders say the team sees Smart as a culture-setter—someone capable of anchoring a defensive unit while offering mentorship to younger players.
Fan Reaction and What Comes Next
Reactions among Lakers Nation have been mixed. While many are excited by Smart’s arrival, others are puzzled by the choice to waive Milton before training camp.
“It’s a gamble, but it’s one that could give the Lakers the edge they need,” said former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy.
With training camp around the corner, eyes now turn to how Smart gels with the team—and whether his signature intensity can help propel L.A. back into championship contention.
