Marcus Smart’s $11 Million Contract Forcing Lakers to Release Young Players Infuriates Fans: “This is Pathetic”

Los Angeles Lakers are doing everything they can to create cap space to take on Marcus Smart's $11 million contract.

Marcus Smart’s $11 Million Contract Forcing Lakers to Release Young Players Infuriates Fans: “This is Pathetic”

Lakers waive Jordan Goodwin to make space for Marcus Smart (Image via FirstSportz)

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LeBron James probably has a year or two left in his career as an NBA player. Before he hangs up his sneakers, he wants to try and compete for a title or two. For that to happen, the 40-year-old needs help, and the Los Angeles Lakers are looking at bringing in Marcus Smart.

The 31-year-old is without a doubt one of the better perimeter defenders and tone-setters in the league. He was last contracted to the Washington Wizards, but discussed a contract buyout with them and became a free agent.

It was then revealed that he was about to sign a 2-year, $11 million contract with the Lakers. To the casual, that number would make a lot of sense, as the franchise is already cash-strapped, and does not have space to spend big.

In fact, they did not even have enough space to sign Smart, but as a point-of-attack defender, his value to a team looking to go further than what they did last season is worth a lot. To create that space, the Lakers first released Shake Milton, saving $3 million before it became guaranteed.

The Los Angeles Lakers have waived guard Jordan Goodwin, sources tell ESPN. Goodwin emerged as a key rotation piece for JJ Redick late last season, playing 29 games and four playoff contests. Goodwin and Shake Milton were released to clear space for arrival of Marcus Smart.

Shams Charania wrote on X

This was the 2nd move, releasing a player who joined for the long haul after impressing on 2-way contracts. It is not clear how much they have saved, but per Shams Charania, releasing him was necessary.

Fans shake their heads after Lakers waive young prospects for Marcus Smart

Basketball fans were surprised when the Los Angeles Lakers gave up on Shake Milton this early. He came along with Dorian Finney-Smith last season, and was a valuable piece for the future. With Milton and DFS gone, fans wondered why the franchise seemingly gave up on draft capital for nothing.

Then, when the Jordan Goodwin waiver hit their notifications section, fans could not understand what the purple and gold front office was up to. They gave away a player who was instrumental in their defensive identity late last season.

With development, he could be a valuable rotational piece in the future. Marcus Smart on the other hand, has missed quite a lot of games over the past few years. With such question marks over his health, fans lambasted the Lakers for making these moves. Examples of those reactions are below.

Fans believe the purple and gold franchise seems to be clueless, after handing multiple players long and expensive contracts in the past. They need additional help, therefore are going for whatever the market, and their top two players need.

Marcus Smart comes on Luka Doncic’s request

Many fans believe given time, Jordan Goodwin could become a cheaper version of Marcus Smart. However, with LeBron James’ desire to win a title soon, and also Luka Doncic‘s wish to win one before the Dallas Mavericks, the team seem to be doing whatever they can to bring in impactful players.

Lakers are listening to Luka Doncic and LeBron James' demands
Lakers are listening to Luka Doncic and LeBron James’ demands (Image via Blockbet/X)

When Shams Charania broke the news about Smart’s intentions to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, he mentioned that Doncic had a role in recruiting the 3-time All-Defensive 1st teamer. This could indicate that the franchise are listening to what the Slovenian wants.

When they traded for him, it was clear that the team would build a roster around the 26-year-old. Their moves so far in this offseason seemingly confirm that they are listening to their most important player.

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