The Los Angeles Lakers have made it very clear that Luka Doncic is going to be the face of the franchise moving forward. When you have a superstar who is the face of your organization, that player usually has a little bit more pull, and perhaps even a slight say in some of the behind-the-scenes operations.
We know that for years, LeBron James has been very involved behind the scenes. Whether it was conversations about players to acquire or recommendations for coaching hirings and firings, James was typically either consulted or, at the very least, made aware of most, if not all, moves.
Luka Doncic has now taken that role, and he is already utilizing some of those nuances with the latest Los Angeles Lakers transaction.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, before Marcus Smart agreed to a buyout with the Washington Wizards, Doncic had reached out to Smart and had been recruiting him to come to LA. Ultimately, it worked, as Smart is now the newest member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Smart, a three-time All-Defense first team guard, will have a player option on his new Lakers deal to enter a more flush 2026 free agency, sources said. Point of attack defender was a position of need for L.A. as well — with Luka Doncic recruiting and reaching out to Smart. https://t.co/POZfSea5sU
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 19, 2025
Luka Doncic Recruited Marcus Smart To The Los Angeles Lakers
Per Shams, the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks both were in hot pursuit to sign Smart, but the Lakers were able to get a deal done, in part, thanks to Doncic.
Smart averaged 9 points per game last season, split between the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards. But what he lacks in scoring, he makes up for in defense. He was the defensive player of the year in 2022 with the Boston Celtics.
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The NBA is different than most leagues in that many of the superstars not only dictate where they end up, but also have a massive influence on who plays with them. Just look at LeBron’s entire career. Look at Kevin Durant. You get the picture.
It is good to see that Luka Doncic is seizing that role as the Lakers aim to build a true championship-level roster.
Are they there yet? Comment below.