Luka Doncic is already making an impact for the Los Angeles Lakers, recruiting veteran guard Marcus Smart before the new NBA season tips off.
At his first press conference with the Lakers on Tuesday, Smart credited Doncic for convincing him to join.
“When Luka calls to check on you and asks if you want to be part of something special, it means a lot,” Smart said. “When he told me he needed my help, it made the decision easier.”
Smart, 31, signed a two-year deal worth $11 million after reaching a buyout with the Washington Wizards. The Lakers released Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin to free up the biannual exception and secure Smart for more than the veteran minimum.
The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year and three-time All-Defensive first-team selection will bring toughness on the perimeter, especially after Dorian Finney-Smith joined the Houston Rockets. His 108 playoff games of experience will be valuable for a Lakers team led by Doncic, acquired in February, and coached by JJ Redick, who is entering his second season. LeBron James, the all-time leader in postseason appearances, remains a central figure.
Smart says his role will be simple: “Be myself. Defend, bring intensity, lead, use my basketball IQ and be the pest I have always been.”
Doncic’s effort to recruit Smart shows his commitment to the Lakers. The 26-year-old star has two years left on his deal, including a player option for the 2026-27 season. The Lakers can offer him a four-year, $222 million extension from 2 August.
Smart is one of four new additions to the team, alongside Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and second-round draft pick Adou Thiero. The Lakers won 50 games last season and finished third in the Western Conference but lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.
Despite strong competition from teams like the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets and Rockets, Smart believes the Lakers can compete for the title.
“I think we match up with the best,” he said. “If we stay focused and do our jobs, we can give ourselves a real shot.”
Smart, drafted sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in 2014, spent nine seasons there before moving to Washington and Memphis. Injuries limited him to 54 games over the past two seasons.
“I am motivated,” Smart said. “The last two years were tough because of injuries, but everything happens for a reason. Twelve years ago I almost joined the Lakers, and now I am finally here.”
Photo: G Fiume/Getty Images
