Is Marcus Smart leaving Lakers? What contract decision means for future of defensive-minded guard

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Marcus Smart made a key contract decision on Monday.

The Los Angeles Lakers veteran guard had a $5.4 million player option in his contract. If he accepted it, that would be what he'd be paid during the 2026-27 season to stay in Los Angeles.

Instead, he declined it.

Essentially, Smart is opting out of his contract.

He'll become a free agent, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

It's the opposite choice made be Deandre Ayton, who accepted his $8.1 million player option for next season.

There is still plenty of suspense, because Smart's next destination is far from a given.

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Is Marcus Smart leaving the Lakers?

It's not a sure thing that Smart is leaving.

All that's known for sure as of Monday is that he won't be playing for that $5.4 million player option year in 2026-27.

Now a free agent, Smart could still choose to sign and return to the Lakers.

He played 62 games for the Lakers in 2025-26, starting 54 of those. Smart averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.

The former Defensive Player of the Year had strong on-off stats, with the Lakers much better with Smart on the floor. There's definitely a case for them to try to bring him back, if he's interested.