After reportedly reaching an agreement with Marcus Smart on Saturday, the future for Shake Milton with the Los Angeles Lakers appears grim. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Lakers are planning to waive Milton, a move that is expected to create additional financial flexibility and a roster spot for the newly acquired guard.
Shake Milton’s contract for the 2025-26 season was valued at $3 million and was fully non-guaranteed. The Lakers had a deadline of July 20 to decide on Milton's future before his contract would become guaranteed. By waiving Milton, the Lakers are strategically positioning themselves to utilize the bi-annual exception, which they recently used to sign Smart.
The decision to waive Milton not only opens up a roster spot but also provides the Lakers with some additional financial flexibility. However, the team still faces challenges in fully utilizing the bi-annual exception, particularly after signing Jaxson Hayes for more than the minimum salary, which complicated their financial maneuvers.
Despite this, the Lakers have the option to waive Jordan Goodwin, who is also on a non-guaranteed deal, to create further cap space for Smart. This move would streamline their roster and enhance their ability to make necessary adjustments heading into the new season.
Milton’s stint with the Lakers was relatively uneventful. After being acquired midseason as part of the D’Angelo Russell trade, Milton played in 30 games, averaging just 3.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. While he showcased the ability to score in bursts—evident in his standout performance on January 31 against the Wizards where he scored 21 points on 7-8 shooting—his overall contribution to the Lakers was minimal.
As the Lakers move forward, the decision to waive Milton underscores their commitment to building a competitive roster while navigating the complexities of the salary cap. With the addition of Marcus Smart and potential further roster changes, fans will be keenly watching how these developments unfold in the coming weeks.
