The Los Angeles Lakers have waived guard Shake Milton, clearing the way to finalize their deal with veteran Marcus Smart.
Shams Charania reported the move on Sunday, noting that Milton’s $3 million salary for next season would have become fully guaranteed today.
Milton, 28, joined the Lakers on December 29, 2024, in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets that also brought in Dorian Finney-Smith. Over 30 regular season games in purple and gold, Milton averaged 3.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in just over 11 minutes per contest.
Prior to his stint in Los Angeles, Milton spent time with the Nets, Pistons, Timberwolves, Knicks, and 76ers. In Brooklyn earlier in the 2024–25 season, he made one start and recorded a double-double against the Spurs, finishing with 16 points and 10 assists.
The Lakers’ decision to waive Milton was driven largely by financial constraints. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the franchise sits just $909,000 below the NBA’s first apron and needs additional room to accommodate Smart’s incoming two-year, $11 million deal. Waiving Milton frees up the full amount of his contract, giving the front office more flexibility to complete the signing.
