Lakers Notes: LA Signs Star Defensive Guard, Blockbuster LeBron James Trade Idea, Giannis to LA?

Jan 5, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) heads down court after a 3-point basket in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a deal with defensive specialist Marcus Smart on a two-year, $11 million contract. The former Defensive Player of the Year spent nearly a decade with the bitter rival Boston Celtics before heading to the Memphis Grizzlies, and most recently, 15 games with the Washington Wizards.

Additionally, the moves aren't expected to stop there as the Lakers have a major trade proposal involving superstar LeBron James. If the King does end up getting flipped after all, the return would still position the Lakers to be in win-now mode, while also receiving an asset that can benefit them in the future.

Finally, speaking of blockbuster trades that would turn the league on its head, a team insider recently spoke on the likelihood of a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade that would get the Greek Freak in purple and gold. The source compared the odds of the two-time MVP becoming a Laker to fellow superstar big man Nikola Jokic's chances to head to LA.

Here’s more information on these stories and all the latest Lakers news (click the headline for the full article):

Lakers Signing Marcus Smart in Blockbuster $11 Million Deal

Lakers Would Land $121 Million All-Star in Blockbuster LeBron James Trade Proposal

Lakers Insider Says Giannis Antetokounmpo More Likely to Join LA Than Nikola Jokic

LeBron James to the Warriors? Golden State Considered Blockbuster Trade for Lakers Star

Lakers Tweets of the Day:

Born to compete. Destined to hoop.

Insider's Look | Luka Dončić

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 19, 2025

Luka is helping the Lakers build a squad 💪 (via @ShamsCharania) pic.twitter.com/3OSIq9YdvZ

— ESPN (@espn) July 19, 2025

BREAKING: Marcus Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after clearing waivers, sources tell ESPN. A return to a grand stage for the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/8g9Bxzz11E

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 19, 2025

👀 LFG!!!!! 😤😤😤😤 https://t.co/MsyTdVTsU6

— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 19, 2025

Lakers offseason so far:

— signed Ayton
— signed Smart
— signed LaRavia
— re-signed Hayes

Top __ team in the West. pic.twitter.com/WqXqY7gADL

— StatMuse (@statmuse) July 19, 2025

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.