The Los Angeles Lakers waived guard Jordan Goodwin shortly after releasing Shake Milton to clear space for the arrival of Marcus Smart.

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.

Buyouts have been the Lakers’ biggest help this offseason as both Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart picked Los Angeles after unexpectedly leaving their prior teams. In each case, the Lakers were well-positioned to take advantage of the situation.

In a move first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania on Sunday, Los Angeles waived the guard in an effort to clear financial space to add Marcus Smart. Milton's $3 million contract for the 2025-26 campaign was set to become fully guaranteed on Sunday had the Purple and Gold not moved on from him.