Behind-the-scenes recruiting, roster influence, and a glow-up show Luka Doncic's silent takeover in Los Angeles.

Marcus Smart signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Lakers in July 2025. The move is very similar to Rajon Rondo

Take a look at Marcus Smart's best plays from the last two seasons as he plans to join the Lakers after a contract buyout with the Wizards.

At the start of the 2025 offseason, Rob Pelinka was under heavy fire. The Lakers had just been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Dorian Finney-Smith, their best perimeter defender and an elite two-way wing, left in free agency.

The Knicks are eyeing Marcus Smart and Kevin McCullar Jr. for their final roster spots. Summer League players like James Nnaji and Dink Pate are also in the mix. Caught on camera: CEO resigns after uncomfortable moment at Coldplay concert goes viral NATO ...

While other teams like the Suns and Bucks reportedly pursued Smart as a free agent, turns out, Luka Doncic helped recruit Smart to Los Angeles. Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, Doncic "reached out to Smart and made it clear that he wanted to play with the two-way stalwart."