Lakers Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart make decisions amid LeBron James speculation

Lakers Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton celebrate scoring against the Rockets during a 2026 playoff game in Houston. (Kenneth Richmond / Getty Images)As LeBron James dominated the news cycle regarding his future on the eve of NBA free agency, the Lakers retained a different piece of their lineup.Lakers guard Marcus Smart has declined his player option of $5.9 million and will become an unrestricted free agent, according to people not authorized to publicly discuss the decision.Smart is expect