Marcus Smart is set to decline a player option with the Los Angeles Lakers and enter unrestricted free agency. Multiple outlets report that Smart has decided not to exercise the option for the 2026-27 season. The option is valued at $5.4 million and is part of a two-year, $10.5 million contract Smart signed with the Lakers last year. According to the reports, Smart had a deadline of Monday to make the decision on the option. After declining it, Smart will be available to sign with any team as a free agent. The decision could affect the Lakers’ roster plans and the team’s lineup, depending on whether they re-sign Smart or fill the role through another move. The reports frame the development primarily as a contractual decision and a transition point ahead of the upcoming free agency period, with Smart moving from being under an option structure to being able to negotiate openly with other organizations.