Luka Doncic’s Role in Lakers Acquiring Marcus Smart Revealed!

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By: Mike

On Saturday, it was announced that the Los Angeles Lakers are set to ink a deal with Marcus Smart, the veteran guard recently bought out by the Washington Wizards. Smart, a three-time All-Defense first team honoree, is expected to join the Lakers on a two-year contract once he passes through waivers. In a surprising twist, Luka Doncic, a five-time All-Star, played a pivotal role in bringing Smart to Los Angeles.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Doncic personally reached out to Smart, expressing his eagerness to team up with the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year.

Known for his tenacity and skill both in perimeter and interior defense, Smart is set to strengthen a Lakers squad that recently lost forward Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets via free agency.

Smart also brings offensive capabilities, having achieved a 34.8 percent success rate from the three-point line and averaging 3.2 assists over 34 games with the Memphis Grizzlies and Wizards in the 2024-25 season.

The Lakers are hopeful that Smart, who has been sidelined by injuries for a significant number of games in the last two seasons, will remain healthy for the 2025-26 season.

Doncic’s involvement in recruiting Smart not only highlights his influence within the Lakers organization but also underscores his stature in the league.


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