"I'm expecting a lot of hate" - Marcus Smart braces for hostile Celtics return after signing with the Lakers originally appeared on Basketball Network.

The Los Angeles Lakers added former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart on a two-year contract after he was bought out by the Washington Wizards. Smart fills an immediate need for the Lakers, who were sorely missing a point-of-attack defender after losing Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency to the Houston Rockets.

The Lakers have reportedly waived guards Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin in order to be able to sign Marcus Smart once Smart clears waivers.

Marcus Smart is projected to join the Los Angeles Lakers’ starting lineup, assuming he does in fact sign a contract as expected, according to Lakers insider Jovan Buha.

The Washington Wizards turned out to be the biggest losers of Marcus Smart's signing with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers are on a mission to strengthen their roster around their superstar duo, Luka Doncic and LeBron James. The team has already acquired Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia. They also added Marcus Smart after Luka Doncic pushed them.