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Dave McMenamin
EL SEGUNDO, California — Luka Doncic has already made an impact ahead of the upcoming NBA season.
In his introductory press conference on Tuesday, Marcus Smart acknowledged Doncic’s role in bringing him to Los Angeles. “When a player of Luka’s caliber takes the time to reach out… to see if you want to be a part of something special, that really means a lot,” Smart remarked.
After finalizing a buyout with the Washington Wizards, Smart agreed to a two-year deal worth $11 million with the Lakers. In order to accommodate his signing, L.A. released guards Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin, utilizing the biannual exception to offer Smart more than the veteran minimum.
The 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and three-time first-team All-Defense selection is expected to fortify the Lakers’ defense, especially after Dorian Finney-Smith’s departure to the Houston Rockets. With 108 career playoff games—a number that ties him with Minnesota’s Mike Conley for 18th among active players—Smart’s postseason experience is valuable for a revamped Lakers squad that recently traded for Doncic and is coached by JJ Redick, who is entering his second season.
“My role will be to contribute as I have always done,” Smart noted, emphasizing his tenacious defensive style, leadership, and basketball IQ. “I plan to bring the intensity and be the disruptive force I’ve always been.”
Doncic’s proactive approach in recruiting Smart signals a strong commitment to building a competitive team. With two years remaining on his contract, including a player option for 2026-27, the Lakers are in a position to offer Doncic a substantial four-year, $222 million extension starting August 2, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Smart joins several new additions to the Lakers, including center Deandre Ayton and forward Jake LaRavia, both of whom were signed as free agents, along with second-round draft pick Adou Thiero. Last season, L.A. achieved a 50-win record and secured the No. 3 seed in the highly competitive Western Conference before being eliminated in the first round by the Timberwolves.
Expressing confidence in the team’s potential, Smart stated, “We’re ready to compete with the best in the West. The upcoming season is shaping up to be just as competitive, with the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and revamped Denver Nuggets and Rockets preparing to pose significant challenges.”
Reflecting on his journey, Smart said, “I feel incredibly motivated. The last two years were tough for me due to injuries, which I viewed as setbacks. But it all feels like it’s come full circle after 12 years; I’m finally here, where I was meant to be.”