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.

The Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks seriously pursued Smart, who received permission to speak to teams along with his agent, Jason Glushon, and had positive conversations with personnel from all three teams, sources said. After losing Dorian Finney-Smith, a point-of-attack wing defender was a major position of need for the Lakers.