Marcus Smart said that getting recruited by Luka Doncic played an important role in him signing a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“When you get a guy like Luka calling… checking on you, trying to see where you’re at, to see if you want to come join something special that he’s trying to cook up over here,” Smart said. “For him to say that he can really use my help, that meant a lot.”
Doncic reportedly played an active role in recruiting both Smart and Deandre Ayton this offseason, alleviating fears that he wasn’t committed to the Lakers long-term.
Smart added that his goal is to bring defense and leadership to the roster.
“Just to be me. Come in and do what I do and that’s [being] a tenacious defender, just bringing the intensity that I bring, my leadership, my basketball IQ, as well. But just being the pest that I’ve always been,” said Smart of his expectations.
Smart also said that he believes the Lakers can compete with any team in the west.
Smart, who only played 54 games in the last two seasons, added that he was looking to get back to being fully healthy.
“I’m very motivated,” Smart said. “The last two years for me was, in my eyes, a disappointment. Injuries kind of stopped me and held me back. But, like I told my wife and my family, everything happens for a reason. And it’s funny that 12 years ago, I could have been here and now it’s full circle and I’m here.”
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July 23, 2025 | 2:30 pm
