In a stunning turn of events, Marcus Smart has officially signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, a move heavily influenced by none other than Luka Doncic. The former Celtics star revealed that Doncic personally reached out to him not once, but twice, urging him to join the Lakers in pursuit of championship glory.
Smart, who recently completed a contract buyout with the Wizards, expressed his excitement about teaming up with two of the game’s legends: Luka Doncic and LeBron James. “When you get a guy like Luka calling, referencing checking on you, trying to see where you’re at, that meant a lot,” Smart stated. The allure of playing alongside Doncic, known for his remarkable s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and competitive spirit, proved to be a pivotal factor in Smart’s decision.
Before the recruitment process, Smart and Doncic had a mutual respect for each other, often exchanging compliments after games. However, it was Doncic’s direct outreach that transformed their relationship. “My agent called me and said, ‘Luka reached out,’ and I was like, ‘Yeah, whatever.’ Then it happened again, and I realized it was real,” Smart recounted, emphasizing the significance of Doncic’s interest.
With Smart now in the fold, the Lakers are poised to become a formidable force in the league. The combination of Smart’s defensive prowess and Doncic’s playmaking could create a dynamic synergy on the court. As the NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on this new trio, as they look to ignite a Lakers resurgence and chase the championship title. The stakes have never been higher, and the excitement is palpable!