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• Updated Jun 13, 2026 at 10:08pm

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PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 03: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on November 03, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

When it comes to the the Los Angeles Lakers‘ offseason, stars LeBron James and Austin Reaves have dominated the headlines.

James will be unrestricted free agent, and Reaves has a player option for next season that he could down in order to join James in unrestricted free agency.

But, those two guys aren’t the only players that the Lakers are in danger of losing this summer. L.A. has two other guys with player options for free agency that they could potentially turn down. Those guys are Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton.

Marcus Smart Predicted to Turn Down Player Option with Lakers in Favor of Free Agency

GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 24: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 24, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

When it comes to Smart specifically, at least one prominent NBA columnist expects him to turn down his $5 million player option in favor of free agency.

In a recent article for The Athletic, John Hollinger provided predictions for upcoming notable team and player options, and he predicted that Smart will opt of out of deal.

From Hollinger:

Smart signed his deal with a player option with the idea that he could get a payday this summer if he played well. He did. BORD$ now values him at $11.6 million, so he can confidently test the market.

Smart is coming off of a solid season in L.A. in which he started in 54 games for the Lakers and averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals per performance. When it comes to his market, there should be several suitors for a veteran guard with championship experience. So, if the Lakers are interested in bringing him back, they could face some competition.

More to come.