Shake Milton Waived; Lakers Clear Roster Spot for Marcus Smart… Read more…
In a decisive roster maneuver ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers have waived guard Shake Milton, officially opening up the necessary salary-cap and roster flexibility to activate their recent marquee signing, Marcus Smart. This move, which became official on July 19 just before the non-guaranteed contract deadline, underscores the Lakers’ aggressive approach to reshaping their backcourt and bolstering their defensive identity around LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
Context Behind the Decision
Los Angeles stunned the basketball world earlier this week by agreeing to terms with former Boston Celtics standout Marcus Smart on a two-year, $11 million deal. Renowned for his tenacious defense—he was named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2022—Smart represents a clear philosophical shift for the Lakers toward “defense wins championships.” However, in order to finalize Smart’s contract, the team needed to clear a spot on their 15-man roster and ensure their payroll remained compliant with NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement rules.
Shake Milton, who signed a non-guaranteed minimum-salary deal with Los Angeles in mid-July, ultimately became the casualty of this roster squeeze. Milton’s contract included an early guarantee date of July 20; by waiving him a day before, the Lakers managed to avoid guaranteeing his full salary, freeing valuable cap space and avoiding long-term financial commitment to a player who, while talented, was not central to the team’s future plans.
Who Is Shake Milton?
Shake Milton, a 6-foot-3 guard out of Southern Methodist University, entered the NBA as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Over the past three seasons, Milton played primarily for the Philadelphia 76ers, carving out a reputation as a serviceable scorer off the bench. His career averages of approximately 9.7 points per game on 43% shooting (including 37% from three) showcased his potential as a floor-spacing guard.
Despite flashes of offensive promise—including a 39-point eruption against the Chicago Bulls in 2020—Milton’s defensive shortcomings and inconsistent playing time limited his impact in Philly. After appearing in just 36 games last season (with six starts) and averaging 8.5 points in 16 minutes per outing, the veteran guard hit free agency, drawing interest from multiple teams seeking cheap perimeter shooting.
Why Marcus Smart?
The Lakers’ decision to pivot from Milton to Smart is emblematic of a larger organizational reset. While Los Angeles has traditionally been celebrated for its star power—most notably LeBron James and Anthony Davis—the team’s defensive inconsistencies have grown increasingly glaring. Last season, the Lakers ranked 23rd in defensive rating (113.7 points allowed per 100 possessions), a far cry from championship-caliber standards.
Marcus Smart provides an immediate upgrade in on-ball defense, switchability, and locker-room energy. In 2024–25, Smart posted a team-best defensive rating of 106.4 with the Celtics and was instrumental in Boston’s deep playoff run. His ability to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and anchor the second unit’s defense makes him an ideal complement to Dončić’s offensive wizardry and James’s two-way excellence.
Financially, Smart’s $5.5 million per year deal fits comfortably under the luxury tax apron, a prudent use of limited mid-level exceptions. Moreover, his championship experience and vocal leadership are intangible assets the Lakers sorely lacked after a disappointing first-round exit in last season’s playoffs.
Fan and Media Reaction
Reactions among the Lakers faithful have been overwhelmingly positive. Social media platforms buzzed with praise for Smart’s signing, lauding the front office’s willingness to prioritize defense. “Finally, a player who actually wants to guard,” quipped one prominent Lakers blogger, while veteran NBA reporter Katie Sharp noted, “This is the kind of veteran presence that can take a roster from good to great.”
Conversely, sentiments about Shake Milton’s departure were muted. While fans appreciated Milton’s shooting ability, most acknowledged that his skill set was redundant within the Lakers’ sharpshooter-laden lineup. Even Milton himself expressed gratitude in an Instagram post, thanking the organization and vowing to “keep grinding wherever the game takes me.”
Strategic Implications Moving Forward
With Smart now in the fold, Los Angeles projects an intriguing rotation structure:
- Starting Backcourt: LeBron James (playing more on-ball as the “point wing”) alongside Dončić, with Smart coming off the bench as the primary ball-handler and defensive stopper.
- Second Unit Anchor: Smart will likely assume point-forward duties for the second unit, ensuring continuity of pressure defense when starters rest.
- Rotation Depth: Existing guards Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Max Christie will each see reduced offensive burdens but benefit from Smart’s defensive intensity and playmaking.
Head coach Darvin Ham, known for his players-first approach, has already praised Smart’s “heart, mindset, and toughness” in early summer workouts. By blending Smart’s grit with Dončić’s playmaking flair and James’s all-around dominance, the Lakers are constructing a more balanced, two-way squad poised to contend in a Western Conference teeming with emerging threats.
Looking Ahead
Beyond roster mechanics, waiving Milton in favor of Smart signals a broader Lakers commitment: winning now, and doing so on both ends of the floor. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how quickly this defensive-minded culture permeates the roster. Can LeBron and Dončić buy into the identity shift? Will bench cohesion improve with Smart’s leadership?
Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: by creating space for Marcus Smart, the Lakers have sent a message—that in Los Angeles, star power must now be matched by defensive resolve if they hope to hoist another Larry O’Brien Trophy.
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