The Los Angeles Lakers are shaking up their roster with a bold move that has the NBA world buzzing. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the franchise is poised to waive guard Shake Milton to make room for defensive stalwart Marcus Smart, signaling a clear shift toward prioritizing grit, defense, and veteran leadership as they aim to rebound from a lackluster postseason.
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Shake Milton’s Exit: A Salary Cap Casualty
At 27, Shake Milton’s tenure with the Lakers was short-lived and understated. After joining midseason in 2024-25 from the Brooklyn Nets, the 6’5″ guard posted modest numbers: 5.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, with a respectable 45.3% field goal percentage and 35.8% from three-point range. While these stats suited a reliable bench contributor, the decision to cut ties isn’t about performance—it’s about cold, hard financial realities.
Milton’s $3 million salary for the 2025-26 season was set to become fully guaranteed after July 20, 2025, forcing the Lakers’ hand. With the team operating close to the NBA’s hard cap under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, every dollar counts. Waiving Milton, though not yet finalized, appears inevitable as the Lakers clear space for their bigger target: Marcus Smart.
Marcus Smart: The Defensive Anchor LA Needs
The Lakers are banking on Marcus Smart to bring the edge they’ve sorely missed. The former Defensive Player of the Year, who recently agreed to a buyout with the Washington Wizards, is expected to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with Los Angeles. Smart’s reputation as an elite perimeter defender, tenacious competitor, and vocal leader makes him a perfect fit for a team looking to bolster its identity around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
However, Smart’s recent career has been rocky. After a trade from the Boston Celtics to the Memphis Grizzlies, injuries limited him to just 26 games over two seasons. A brief stint in Washington did little to restore his momentum. Still, the Lakers are betting on the 31-year-old’s ability to rediscover his All-Defensive form and provide the toughness and playoff experience that could elevate their postseason prospects.
Navigating the NBA’s Financial Maze
The Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, is playing a high-stakes game of roster chess. Waiving Milton is only the first move in creating the cap flexibility needed to finalize Smart’s signing. The team may also need to shed another non-guaranteed contract or orchestrate a minor trade to stay under the hard cap. This financial tightrope walk underscores the challenges of the NBA’s updated CBA, where every roster decision carries significant consequences.
Fan Reaction: Excitement Tempered with Caution
Lakers fans are largely thrilled about Smart’s arrival, seeing him as a clear upgrade over Milton in terms of defensive intensity and leadership. Social media is abuzz with optimism about how Smart’s grit could complement LeBron and AD, potentially transforming LA into a tougher playoff contender. However, concerns linger about Smart’s injury history and whether he can return to his peak form after two disrupted seasons.
As for Shake Milton, fans have expressed appreciation for his professionalism and versatility. Many believe the young guard won’t be unemployed for long, with teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, or Dallas Mavericks potentially eyeing him for backcourt depth.
A High-Risk, High-Reward Gamble
The Lakers’ decision to swap Milton for Smart reflects their broader strategy: prioritizing battle-tested veterans who can contribute immediately. If Smart stays healthy and recaptures his defensive prowess, this move could be a masterstroke, giving LA the edge they need in the Western Conference. But the risks are undeniable—Smart’s injury concerns and the team’s limited cap flexibility leave little room for error.
As training camp looms, the Lakers’ roster overhaul is far from complete. With Pelinka and company working the phones and navigating the cap, expect more moves and more drama from the NBA’s most scrutinized franchise. One thing is clear: in Hollywood, standing still is not an option.