Lakers Take Decisive Action After Sunday’s Roster Shakeup – Is Dalton Knecht the One to Go?

The Los Angeles Lakers have officially shifted into championship-or-bust mode, signaling their intent with a decisive roster upgrade this weekend. Following a frustrating first-round playoff exit last season, the Lakers’ front office is moving swiftly to surround LeBron James and newly-acquired Luka Dončić with the right supporting cast—starting with a defensive juggernaut in Marcus Smart.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Smart is expected to join the Lakers on a two-year, $11 million deal after agreeing to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards. The deal includes a player option for the 2026 season, providing both the team and the player flexibility as they gear up for what could be a dynamic title run in 2025.

Marcus Smart: A Defensive Anchor for a Contender

Smart’s arrival immediately addresses one of the Lakers’ biggest needs—perimeter defense. A former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Smart brings relentless on-ball defense, leadership, and battle-tested playoff experience to a roster that was lacking bite on the defensive end.

Over the past decade, Smart carved out his identity as a glue guy, emotional leader, and defensive force with the Boston Celtics. After a brief and uneventful stint with the Wizards, his move to Los Angeles represents a return to relevance and contention.

“Marcus Smart brings exactly what we’ve been missing—grit, heart, and a defensive edge,” said a Lakers team insider. “He’s the kind of guy you want next to LeBron and Luka when the playoffs get dirty.”

Smart will likely slot into the starting lineup or take on a high-minute sixth man role, offering versatility across both guard positions. His presence will take pressure off Austin Reaves, allow Luka Dončić to focus more on playmaking and offense, and provide LeBron James with a trusted defensive partner for crunch time situations.

Shake Milton Waived to Make Room

In a corresponding move, the Lakers waived guard Shake Milton, whose $3 million contract for the upcoming season was on the verge of becoming fully guaranteed. Milton appeared in 30 games for Los Angeles last season but failed to carve out a consistent role.

His release not only creates space for Smart’s addition but also frees up cap flexibility and a roster spot, giving the Lakers more options as they continue reshaping the team around their superstar core.

More Moves Expected — Eyes on Dalton Knecht

Despite the excitement surrounding Smart’s addition, the Lakers aren’t done yet. According to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, another move—likely via trade—is expected. One potential target? Rookie sharpshooter Dalton Knecht.

Though Knecht was viewed as a promising young prospect, the Lakers appear to be in win-now mode, and if moving Knecht helps land a veteran contributor, it’s a path the front office is seriously considering.

Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation echoed this sentiment, stating a trade is one of several options the team is exploring. The Lakers are actively looking to consolidate assets and finalize a playoff-ready rotation.

The New Look Lakers: Balance, Depth, and Urgency

With Marcus Smart set to join a core that now includes LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Deandre Ayton, and Austin Reaves, the Lakers suddenly boast one of the most balanced rosters in the Western Conference.

• Dončić offers MVP-level scoring, playmaking, and late-game heroics.

• LeBron, still defying Father Time, brings leadership, versatility, and an unparalleled basketball IQ.

• Ayton, a controversial but high-ceiling big man, has the tools to be an impact rebounder and rim protector.

• Reaves continues to evolve into a reliable two-way guard with secondary playmaking chops.

• Now, Smart arrives to plug the defensive holes and infuse veteran toughness into a squad hungry for postseason success.

“We’re not just building a team; we’re building a culture around accountability and winning,” one Lakers executive shared off the record. “Marcus embodies that.”

A Make-or-Break Year for LA’s Front Office

The Lakers’ 2025 push is shaping up as one of the most high-stakes gambles in franchise history. With LeBron James approaching his 41st birthday and Dončić under massive expectations, the time to win is now.

Anything less than a Conference Finals appearance will be viewed as a disappointment—and possibly a failure of this star-studded experiment.

Smart’s signing is not just about basketball fit; it’s a signal of intent. It’s a move that says: We’re not waiting for development. We’re not playing the long game. We’re going for the title right now.

What’s Next for the Lakers?

The Lakers still have flexibility to make one more significant move, and the next few weeks could see LA package Knecht with picks or rotational players to pursue another elite 3-and-D wing or backup center.

Names like Jerami Grant, Dorian Finney-Smith, or even Buddy Hield have floated in speculative conversations, though no concrete talks have surfaced publicly.

One thing is certain: Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and his team are aggressively exploring every avenue to bolster the squad ahead of training camp.

Final Thoughts: All-In for Banner No. 18

The addition of Marcus Smart adds legitimacy to the Lakers’ 2025 title chase. It’s a savvy, low-cost, high-impact move that brings defense, leadership, and championship pedigree to a team desperate to return to the NBA Finals.

With Smart flanking Luka and LeBron, and with other moves likely in the pipeline, the Lakers are sending a clear message to the rest of the league: We’re not here to rebuild. We’re here to win—right now.

Whether this supercharged lineup can gel fast enough remains to be seen. But for the Lakers and their fans, the path back to greatness has officially begun—and Marcus Smart just might be the heart that pushes them over the edge.