​The Los Angeles Lakers have officially severed ties with several players who were considered part of their 2025-26 rotation, including a 6-foot-3 former Defensive Player of the Year who had been recruited by Luka Doncic. The development, confirmed on Wednesday, marks another step in the Lakers’ ongoing roster reshaping as they prepare for the 2026-27 season. The decision comes as the organization has already moved on from multiple pieces who contributed as starters or valuable bench players during the prior campaign.
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that the Lakers “have officially renounced the free agent rights” to a list of players, among whom are LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Dion Waiters, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, Maxi Kleber, Nick Smith Jr., Jared Dudley, Avery Bradley, Jaxson Hayes, Markieff Morris, and Wayne Ellington. This acknowledgment underscores the franchise’s stance on maintaining exclusive rights to re-sign those players should circumstances change, while also signaling which veterans will be unavailable as free agents for the Lakers at this time.
Among the released names, Marcus Smart stood out as a credible contributor who had given the Lakers solid minutes in his only season with the team. He posted averages of 9.3 points per game on 39.5% shooting from the floor and 33.3% from three-point range, while also delivering the sort of on-ball pressure and two-way presence the organization sought when he joined. Smart’s performance aligned with the expectations that came with Doncic’s involvement in another part of the equation: the dynamic of Doncic trading notes with teammates and personnel around the league, and the mutual respect that can accompany a veteran guard who has built a reputation as a defensive catalyst.
The broader context here is that Doncic’s influence extended beyond the court, with the Slovenian star reportedly playing a role in recruiting Smart to the Lakers. That collaboration, though, couldn’t guarantee a longer-term stay in Los Angeles, as Smart eventually pursued opportunities that led him elsewhere after the 2025-26 season. His decision illustrates the realities of a rapidly shifting NBA landscape, where even players who fit a team’s immediate needs may elect to chase different roles, contracts, or environments.
For Lakers fans and observers, the moves reflect a broader strategy of retooling around a core that includes marquee talents while remaining flexible in free agency and trades. The franchise continues to weigh its options as it navigates the market, aiming to balance veteran experience with opportunities for younger players to step into larger roles. The goal remains to build a competitive, sustainable roster capable of contending in a league that prizes flexibility and efficiency.
As the team continues to adjust its roster ahead of the 2026-27 season, reports and updates from The Sporting News and other outlets will track which players the Lakers pursue, re-sign, or part ways with. The team’s leadership will likely weigh fit, chemistry, contract structure, and long-term plan as they fill remaining vacancies and sculpt a roster capable of maximizing the talents of their star players and supporting cast.
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