Dončić Instrumental in Bringing Marcus Smart to the Lakers

Luka Dončić appears to have played a pivotal role in Marcus Smart's move to the Los Angeles Lakers following his release from the Washington Wizards. Reports indicate Dončić's personal outreach convinced Smart to sign a two-year, $11 million contract.

While the move surprised some in the NBA, it wasn't entirely unexpected. Journalist Marc Stein revealed that Dončić contacted Smart and successfully conveyed the team's vision.

With his experience and toughness, Smart is seen as the ideal player to bolster the Lakers' new look as LeBron James' era winds down and Dončić prepares to take the reins.

The 31-year-old guard arrives in California with a wealth of high-level experience and a reputation for consistent contributions on both ends of the court, as demonstrated by his performances last season in Memphis and Washington.