DPOY joined 11 million in 2 years, Doncic took action personally, activates the biennium special case + give up Melton

When the free agent market has already declined, the Los Angeles Lakers have once again ushered in super reinforcement. According to ESPN famous reporter Shams Charania, former Celtics Soul, DPOY in 2022, Marcus Smart, who was selected as the Best First Defense for three times, and the Washington Wizards completed the buyout and will sign with the Purple Gold Legion with a two-year salary of $11 million after the clarification period. Despite being silent for a while, Smart, who has recovered from health, can still contribute his passion and experience on the defensive end, which is also what the Lakers value.

Two years ago, it was hard to imagine Smart wearing a purple and gold robe. However, after the Grizzlies suffered from injuries, the defensive strongman was still not smoothed out. The Wizards originally hoped that he could take on the heavy responsibility of the locker room leader, but in the end he respected the veteran's wish to play for the championship team, and both sides were also separated. According to Charania's report, Smart finally chose the Lakers, and Doncic played a crucial role in the process. Dongzi clearly expressed his hope to fight side by side with Smart, which not only impressed the latter, but also allowed the Lakers management to do it immediately.

In fact, in order to get Smart, the Lakers had to abandon the two players just to make enough room to use their biennial special. After getting Ayton, the Lakers' total salary was only $909,000 away from the first tycoon line. According to salary expert Bobby Max, the Purple and Gold Army first laid off Milton and freed up a roster. Milton's salary of 3 million was insured, and then laid off Goodwin. Of Goodwin's $2.3 million contract, only $25,000 was the guaranteed part. Of course, considering Smart's status and the investment in biennial exceptions alone, it's all worth it.

It is worth mentioning that the Lakers and D'Anthony Melton had a good talk. The latter was sent to the Nets by the Warriors after being injured last season to trade Schroeder. At that time, it was reported that Melton would return to the Bay Area in the summer of 2025, but the Lakers' potential interception has brought about variables. With the Lakers signing Smart, it also means that they are basically unable to chase Melton again, because the biennial exception is also used. Smart and Melton have similar types, both guard players whose defense is greater than offense, so just choose one. The Lakers' offseason signings came to an end and they gained a lot. In comparison, the old opponent, the Warriors, is much more miserable. Although reporter Siegel said that Lacob's team has arranged two signings, which should be Melton and Horford, because there are salary differences in the renewal negotiations with Kumingga's team, there has been no consensus, and the subsequent operations will be delayed again and again. The so-called slowness will change. On the one hand, there are no leftovers in the free agent market. On the other hand, Horford and Melton may find other places for their own interests.

This summer, Pelinka's operation has crushed Dunleavy Jr. The Lakers not only solved the most troublesome No. 5 position problem, but also introduced shooters and championship-level defensive backs. The Warriors are still the only team in the league that has no reinforcement and even loses its combat power. I wonder if the difference between the two's operations will become the foreshadowing of the performance of the two teams in the new season?