However, Charania’s well-respected co-worker, Bobby Marks, wisely pointed out that the Lakers need to clear space if they want to use the $5.1 million bi-annual exception to land Smart. The Lakers took a step in the right direction on Sunday by cutting ties with a recently acquired 6-foot-5 guard.

A top trade candidate this offseason came off the board on Saturday when the Los Angeles Lakers agreed to sign former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to a two-year, $11 million deal following his buyout by the Washington Wizards,

One NBA writer proposed a trade that would give the Lakers a player who could plug one of their biggest needs right now.