Lakers' Luka Doncic 'Made it Clear' He Wanted to Play With Specific Free Agent

Apr 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

While many expect Luka Doncic to sign a monster extension with the Los Angeles Lakers over the next year, nothing's for certain until pen is put to paper.

Conventional wisdom suggests that the franchise must make Doncic as comfortable as possible, given that he's the future (and likely current) face of the team. This includes involving him in personnel decisions impacting the team this upcoming year.

With that in mind, it's no surprise that the Lakers reportedly are in agreement on a multi-year deal with veteran guard Marcus Smart. Guard Shake Milton was waived on Sunday — presumably to open up the roster spot for the decorated defender. The Lakers also waived fan favorite guard, Jordan Goodwin as well.

Luka Doncic recruited Marcus Smart to join the Lakers, per ESPN

(h/t @fullcourtpass) pic.twitter.com/MEHp9yJdBF

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 19, 2025

More news: Lakers Discussing Trade Following Marcus Smart Signing: Report

Doncic, according to ESPN, was a driving force behind Smart becoming a Laker. The franchise player "reached out to Smart and made it clear that he wanted to play with the two-way stalwart."

It's not overly surprising when breaking down Smart's game and how that fits with the current iteration of the Lakers' roster.

BREAKING: Marcus Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after clearing waivers, sources tell ESPN. A return to a grand stage for the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/8g9Bxzz11E

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 19, 2025

Smart's proclivity for the defensive end of the floor is well documented. In 2022, Smart was the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. On three separate occasions he's been an NBA All-Defensive First team member.

Built like a linebacker, the 6-foot-3 guard punishes guards and wings with immense physicality and strong hands. Smart's IQ is also considerable when reading passing lanes and functioning as an excellent help defender.

Smart also has considerable playoff experience — something that will be valued on a team with Doncic and LeBron James. The dynamic duo need to be surrounded with players they can trust, and Smart should fit the bill in that capacity.

Celtics fans seeing Marcus Smart sign with the Lakers pic.twitter.com/ax6Rjfkx9L

— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) July 19, 2025

It's not to say the fit is a seamless one. The 31-year-old guard may be aging out of his prime, and might not be able to be the defensive stopper the Lakers desperately need. Over the last two years, Smart has played in only 54 games. Injuries have become a real issue in terms of availability.

In terms of being a possible floor spacer, Smart is a career 32.4 percent 3-point shooter. He did knock down 39.2 percent of his shots from 3 with the Washington Wizards this year. From a context standpoint, the sample size (15 games) is relatively small.

There's a world where Smart could be a real difference-maker for this team. He'll immediately play a prominent role off the bench. Smart also should benefit from playing for a contender rather than in a situation where the vast majority of the games being played don't matter much.

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