New Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart is relieved he no longer has to guard Luka Doncic, who he had some battles with over the years.

Veteran guard Marcus Smart is the newest Los Angeles Laker after (1) the Washington Wizards bought out his contract, and (2) Lakers superstar Luka Doncic pushed to get him over to La La Land and into the Purple and Gold.

The 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year says Doncic reaching out “meant a lot,” adding that the chance to play alongside LeBron James was also part of the appeal.

Veteran NBA guard Marcus Smart provides some details on how Luka Doncic tried to convince him to come to the Lakers.

Smart signed a two-year deal with the Lakers, but he actually wanted to sign with another Western Conference team initially. Luka Doncic helped change his mind to help bring him to LA. More news: LeBron James Reportedly Wanted to Join Mavericks, Team Up With Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis

The Los Angeles Lakers made a big roster move recently, signing veteran guard Marcus Smart to a two-year, $11 million contract. Smart may not be the player he once was during his prime with the Boston Celtics,

Luka Doncic reportedly helped recruit Smart, and on Tuesday, the guard talked about how much he appreciated Doncic telling him that he should come to Los Angeles.

It's been a fruitful offseason thus far for the Los Angeles Lakers, who saw LeBron James opt in for the 2025-26 season and who addressed major needs by signing center DeAndre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart.

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to play the 2025-26 NBA season with Luka Doncic and LeBron James leading the way. Gone are the days of James being the franchise player for the team. Doncic has taken that role over for the Lakers already after being acquired before the trade deadline last year.