Luka Doncic played role in recruiting Marcus Smart to Lakers

"There’s a lot of reasons but the main one, being able to play with Luka and LeBron, two of the best to do it in this game, two greats with greatest basketball IQs that I’ve ever seen in this era," Smart told the media.

More than that, Smart admitted that Doncic reaching out to him and recruiting him tilted the scales in the Lakers' favor, and it was a humbling experience.

"And when you get a guy like Luka. Calling, referencing, checking on you, trying to see where you at to see if you want to come and, join something special that he’s trying to cook up over here. And for him to say that he can really use my help, that meant a lot," Smart continued.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that Doncic is already an active recruiter for general manager Rob Pelinka and Co.

That's what players do when they're ready to commit to a franchise. Although there haven't been many updates about a contract extension, it seems he doesn't want to leave.

This will be his team once James either retires or joins a new club. Doncic is taking the bull by the horns, and just like Smart said, if he calls you, you pick up the phone.