The Los Angeles Lakers currently have 14 players under contract and are just under the first apron threshold, where they are hard-capped, after adding Marcus Smart and waiving both Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin.

Smart, the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year, intends to sign with the Lakers on a two-year deal after agreeing to a buyout with the Wizards.

The Los Angeles Lakers have officially waived veteran guard Shake Milton in a move to clear cap space for the signing of Marcus Smart, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Milton’s $3 million contract for the 2025–26 season was set to become fully guaranteed, but the Lakers acted swiftly, making the decision to part ways before the deadline.