Lakers’ Luka Doncic ‘Made It Clear’ He Wanted To Play With Marcus Smart

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic “made it clear” he wanted to play with Marcus Smart, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. 

Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and plans to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers after clearing waivers.

Smart played for the Memphis Grizzlies and Wizards last season. The guard was traded by Memphis to Washington in February. He averaged 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists with the Grizzlies and Wizards while shooting 39.3% from the field, 34.8% from 3 and 76.1% from the foul line. 

The 31-year-old Smart began his career with the Boston Celtics. He won the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Award with Boston. 

Smart has career averages of 10.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists with the Celtics, Grizzlies and Wizards. He played in the 2022 NBA Finals. 

The Dallas Mavericks traded Doncic to the Lakers last season. Los Angeles lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in five games. 

Doncic can sign an extension with Los Angeles starting on August 2. 

The Lakers signed Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia this offseason after losing Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets. LeBron James picked up his 2025-26 player option worth $52.6 million. The NBA legend could retire after next season.