The Los Angeles Lakers have made a strategic move in their offseason by signing former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to a two-year, $11 million contract, addressing a major defensive gap. The deal, finalized in mid-2025, aims to enhance the team’s perimeter defense and inject leadership into the roster as part of a larger plan to reshape the squad around emerging stars.
Smart, who most recently played for the Washington Wizards after nine seasons with the Boston Celtics, brings a tenacious defensive approach that the Lakers have lacked. At 31 years old, his role will be focused on improving team defense intensity rather than carrying the load solo. Lakers analyst Trevor Lane expressed optimism about the signing but emphasized that Smart represents just the initial step of several potential roster upgrades.
Potential Defensive Additions Near Opportunity for Roster Transformation
Even with Smart’s arrival, there remains a belief that the Lakers need further reinforcements to fully round out their defensive lineup. According to Trevor Lane, there are continued possibilities to strengthen the team with available free agents. Notably, players like Ben Simmons and Josh Okogie remain on the market and could provide complementary skill sets. Simmons, a former No. 1 overall pick and three-time All-Star, presents an affordable option for a rotation role given his recent performance with the LA Clippers, averaging five points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.
Lane pointed out the importance of continuing to evolve the roster beyond the initial signing, explaining that the Lakers’ offseason moves signal awareness that the current squad is not yet at elite Western Conference contender level. He emphasized that signing Josh Okogie, a 26-year-old former Charlotte Hornets player with growth potential, would help offset lost time and contribute to defensive depth.
So far, the Lakers have also added young talent such as Deandre Ayton without sacrificing key assets, positioning them well to make additional moves. While these adjustments don’t guarantee the best team status in the Western Conference, the offseason has been productive in building a more versatile and defensively capable team.
Luka Doncic’s Increasing Influence on Lakers’ Roster Strategy
One surprising and pivotal development in the Lakers’ offseason blueprint is Luka Doncic’s active involvement in recruiting Marcus Smart. Reports reveal that Doncic personally reached out to Smart following his buyout from the Wizards, encouraging him to join the Lakers. This gesture indicates a shift in Doncic’s role in team-building, marking a new chapter where he is not just a player but a franchise leader shaping the team’s future.
Journalist Mette L. Robertson highlighted this behavioral change on social media, observing that though Doncic was previously informed of roster changes, this marked the first time he had personally engaged in player recruitment.
“Now here’s a shift in Luka Doncic behavior. He has been ‘informed’ about big moves in the past, but can’t remember ever hearing that he actually reached out and recruited himself before.”
—Mette L. Robertson, Journalist
This transition is notable given Doncic’s previous experience in Dallas, where he had little involvement in team transactions. The Lakers appear to be centering their franchise around Doncic, especially as LeBron James nears the twilight of his career. The organization’s acquisition moves and strategic planning reflect this focus, signaling a new era in Los Angeles basketball anchored by Doncic’s leadership both on and off the court.
Building Around Luka Doncic Indicates a New Franchise Direction
With LeBron James’ retirement approaching, the Lakers have embraced Luka Doncic as their primary cornerstone moving forward. His growing influence in decision-making and talent recruitment underscores a substantial shift within the organization aimed at sustained competitiveness. The acquisition of defensive assets like Marcus Smart, supported by Doncic’s expressed desire to play alongside such veterans, demonstrates a clear commitment to constructing a championship-caliber roster that complements Doncic’s versatile style.
This evolving dynamic reflects the Lakers’ strategy to blend experience, youth, and defensive toughness while centering their offense and leadership on Doncic. The moves made during this offseason, combined with prospective signings of players like Ben Simmons and Josh Okogie, could profoundly impact the team’s performance next season, enhancing their depth and defensive identity in the highly competitive Western Conference.
Outlook for Lakers’ Future and Impact on the Western Conference
The Lakers’ offseason work, highlighted by the Smart signing and Luka Doncic’s emerging role in shaping the roster, signals a focused push towards regaining prominence. The team’s proactive approach to free agency and internal collaboration between management and star players may redefine their trajectory. While they are not yet the Western Conference’s best, these foundational moves create a platform for further reinforcements and potential title contention.
By solidifying perimeter defense and demonstrating that Luka Doncic leads Lakers’ new era on and off the court, the franchise is positioning itself to be an attractive destination for additional key free agents. The coming months will reveal whether this blueprint translates into improved results and a return to championship viability in the NBA.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Luka Doncic a billionaire?
A. As of 2025, Luka Doncic’s net worth is estimated to be $75 million, based on information from Celebrity Net Worth.