Attention basketball fanatics! Luka Doncic is already demonstrating his leadership, even before the start of the season. Marcus Smart, in his official presentation with the Lakers, revealed that Doncic was key to his arrival at the team.
Smart, after reaching a contract buyout agreement with the Washington Wizards, signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Lakers. The Los Angeles team waived Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin to be able to use the bi-annual exception and sign Smart, 31, above the veteran minimum salary. The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, three-time member of the All-Defense first team, will have the mission of providing perimeter defense to the Lakers, following the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets. With 108 playoff games under his belt, tied with Mike Conley, his experience will be valuable in a relatively new team, which signed Doncic in February and is led by JJ Redick, in his second season as coach. Of course, with LeBron James in the mix, historical leader in postseason games. Regarding his role in the team, Smart stated:When you have a guy like Luka calling… worrying about you, trying to see where you are, to see if you want to join something special he’s trying to build here. For him to say he can really use my help, that meant a lot.
Marcus Smart
Doncic’s insistence on signing Smart is a positive sign of his long-term commitment to the franchise. Doncic has two years left on his contract with L.A., including a player option for the 2026-27 season. The Lakers could offer him a four-year, $222 million extension starting August 2nd. Smart joins Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Adou Thiero as the new additions to the team. Last season, L.A. won 50 games and qualified as the third seed in the Western Conference, before being eliminated by the Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. Smart believes the Lakers are equipped to compete in the West, which is expected to be equally competitive in the 2025-26 season, with the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder, and the revamped Denver Nuggets and Rockets, among other teams.Being myself. Going in and doing what I do, which is being a tenacious defender, simply bringing the intensity that I bring, my leadership, my basketball intelligence. But also being the nuisance I’ve always been.
Marcus Smart
After nine years with the Boston Celtics, the team that drafted him at number 6 in 2014, Smart played only 54 games in the last two seasons due to injuries. Smart concluded:I think we’re up there with the best. And I think we can compete. Our ceiling is high. I think there’s no ceiling. I think if we all focus and do what we’re supposed to do, we can have a very good opportunity.
Marcus Smart
I am very motivated. The last two years were, in my opinion, a disappointment. Injuries stopped me and held me back. But, as I told my wife and family, everything happens for a reason. And it’s funny that 12 years ago I could have been here and now the circle closes and I am here.
Marcus Smart
