UPDATE: As expected, the Lakers have reportedly waived Shake Milton. His contract was set to become guaranteed on Sunday, leading to the team parting ways with him.
His release opens up cap space for the team to sign Marcus Smart, who will reportedly sign with the team after clearing waivers following a buyout from the Wizards, though another move will need to be made.
The Los Angeles Lakers have waived guard Shake Milton, sources tell ESPN. Milton’s $3 million contract for next season would have become fully guaranteed today. Lakers are clearing space for signing of Marcus Smart.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 20, 2025
Original story follows.
After reportedly agreeing to a deal with Marcus Smart on Saturday, the writing was firmly on the wall for Shake Milton.
The Lakers are reportedly planning to waive Milton, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. This opens up a portion of the bi-annual exception, which they used to sign Smart.
Milton’s contract for 2025-26 was set for $3 million and it was fully non-guaranteed. The Lakers had until July 20 before his contract became guaranteed.
The Lakers plan to waive guard Shake Milton to create the roster spot to sign Smart, sources told ESPN. Milton’s $3 million contract for next season would have become fully guaranteed Sunday.
The Lakers made reaching the full bi-annual exception more difficult when they signed Jaxson Hayes for more than the minimum, though he did waive his implicit no-trade clause at the same time.
While they are still unable to use the full amount, they now have some additional financial flexibility and a roster spot to add another player. They still need to make at least one more move to open up cap space for Smart. The simplest path there would be to waive Jordan Goodwin, who is also on a non-guaranteed deal.
Milton didn’t have much of an impact for Los Angeles. He joined the Lakers midseason as part of the D’Angelo Russell trade. Milton played in 30 games for the Lakers and averaged 3.9 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists during these contests.
He did have the ability to score in bunches and get hot on occasion. A prime example of this is his January 31 performance against the Wizards. He scored 21 points on 7-8 shooting, helping L.A. cruise to a 134-96 victory.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
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