Lakers All-NBA star Luka Doncic reached out to Smart and made it clear that he wanted to play with the two-way stalwart, sources said.
The planned move serves as a return to a grand stage for Smart, who made the playoffs in each of his first nine NBA seasons with the Boston Celtics. He missed the postseason over the past two years in Memphis and Washington.
Smart has also been limited to 54 games over the past two seasons due to injuries, including to his right finger last season, and he averaged a career-low 20 minutes per game in 2024-25.
The Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks seriously pursued Smart, who received permission to speak to teams and had positive conversations with personnel from all three teams, sources said.
After losing Dorian Finney-Smith, a point-of-attack, wing defender was a major position of need for the Lakers.
28 comments
LuGM in full action. Nico traded him because he has too much power
Lebron mentored Luka for the GM badge.
Lakers fans can’t say he was one of the guys who suddenly couldn’t shoot when they came to LA.
If you’re a role player like Smart/Ayton Luka is basically the dream teammate. He will get them so many easy points and help them build up their value on the free agency market
Doncic doing Lebrons work now wonder how Bron feels about this
LuGM doing a better job than Pelinka at building a team around Lebron
If those are the options I’d pick the Lakers too
Anyone know how they are using the bi annual exception here?
Waiving Shake doesn’t get them enough below the 1st apron. Is another player getting stretched?
LeBron era is over in Los Angeles
Him and a Bronny have very similar physicals. He could teach him a lot.
Lakers two big moves this offseason were signing two guys who were bought out lol
Reddick said Bronny could get some rotation minutes this year.
Lakers backcourt: Luka, Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Marcus Smart, Goodwin
Guess that’s a no now.
Wait why did the suns want him? Don’t they have like a gazillion guards on their roster?
Luka’s finally starting to recruit players. First he hanged out with Bam for like a week straight, and now this. Lebron’s starting to rub off on him.
As for the fit, Smart’s biggest weakness is his self shot creation and playmaking. But with Luka, Lebron, and Reaves next to him, he’ll probably never have to do that.
Realistically, he’s probably Gabe’s replacement, on half the salary, as Gabe will probably be traded by the trade deadline.
Did LA fund another buyout?
Luka said please guard my matchup cuz I don’t think Bron gonna do it
> Let’s hang out!
– Luka
This is potentially a great move for the Lakers but I question if Marcus is past his defensive peak.
From LeGM to LuGM.
If Lakers can somehow con a team into trading a decent 3&D wing for their expirings they’ll be in good shape.
In what way is smart a 2 way player?
You play defense. I’ll score the rock
Marcus Smart would be a great piece, even if he is a shell of himself.
I’ll take smart shooting over Vando!
Vando, work on your shot now.
Of course this guy is going to the west too
Well somebody’s gotta play defense
Luka wants to pair with smart the way trae and dyson daniels are paired hide luka on the lesser of the 2 guards and have smart pick up the offensive minded guard
Smart stop taking basketball serious after getting traded by Boston. Wonder if this wakes him up. He’s not gonna be the same athlete anymore but he should still be athletic