The Los Angeles Lakers have taken a significant step toward shaping their future by involving Luka Doncic in important recruitment decisions during this summer. Known for his extraordinary skills and leadership, Doncic is actively working alongside the Lakers’ management to strengthen the team, most notably by facilitating the acquisition of Marcus Smart.
Marcus Smart, the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, recently left the Washington Wizards after a buyout agreement and signed a two-year contract with the Lakers. Reports indicate that Doncic played a crucial role in persuading Smart to join Los Angeles, with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealing that Doncic contacted Smart multiple times to encourage the move.
Regardless of whether Marcus Smart works out, I think the key here is that Luka is acting in concert with the Lakers front office,
Windhorst stated, highlighting the significance of Doncic’s proactive participation. This marks an important shift for the young star, who previously preferred to concentrate exclusively on his on-court performance without engaging in roster decisions.
Evolution of Luka Doncic’s Role Beyond Playing
ESPN reporter Tim McMahon commented on this change in Doncic’s approach to team building, emphasizing how the star has evolved from a passive participant into an active collaborator.
The first several years of his career he basically said, ‘Hey, I play. The front office puts the team together,’
McMahon noted, reflecting the considerable development in Doncic’s willingness to influence the Lakers’ roster strategy.
Ongoing Recruitment Efforts Targeting Deandre Ayton
Beyond Marcus Smart, Doncic has also reportedly reached out to Deandre Ayton, indicating a broader ambition to help assemble a competitive team around himself. McMahon observed that this contact signals Doncic’s emerging role as a driving force within the franchise, no longer merely an observer of team decisions.
At only 26 years old, Doncic is a five-time first-team All-NBA player who was acquired from the Dallas Mavericks during the previous winter. Holding considerable sway over the Lakers’ future, he is under contract for two more seasons with a player option for 2026-27, creating an opportunity to negotiate a long-term extension as soon as August.
Contract Extension: A Pivotal Moment for Lakers and Doncic
The decision to extend his contract is critical for both Doncic and the Lakers organization. An extension would deepen his influence and solidify the foundation of the franchise’s plans. On the other hand, if he opts for free agency next summer, Doncic would wield significant power over the team’s trajectory, drawing parallels to LeBron James’s historical impact on the Lakers’ dynamics.
The shift in ownership from the Buss family to Mark Walter and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ ownership group further complicates the scenario. This new leadership could inject more resources into coaching, player development, and facilities, potentially making the Lakers a more attractive destination for top-tier talent.
Long-Term Strategy and Ambitions Centered Around Doncic
The Lakers have displayed a strategic restraint in their current roster moves, signaling a plan to build a championship-caliber team around Doncic over time. This long-term vision includes targeting elite players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic down the road to bolster their title chances.
Despite some commentators expressing concern about Doncic’s perception of how the Lakers treated LeBron James, his recruitment involvement demonstrates a renewed alignment with the franchise’s objectives. The upcoming extension window will be the true test of this new partnership’s strength.
While a three-year contract with the Lakers offers financial perks and stability, any decision by Doncic to postpone or decline an extension could trigger widespread speculation about his future commitment to the team. The choices he makes in the coming weeks will carry profound consequences for the organization and its passionate fanbase.
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.
Q. Are Luka Doncic and Bad Bunny friends?
A. DALLAS — The friendship has lasted several years. This year’s Spotify Artist of the Year released a new song mentioning Mavericks star Luka Dončić.
Q. Why is Luka Doncic so good?
A. He is really good at understanding angles. He can easily unbalance his opponents and use that to his benefit. That’s true talent. He consistently keeps the ball safe, plays at his own speed, and stays in control.
Q. Did Luka Doncic score 70?
A. Luka Doncic has matched David Thompson and Wilt Chamberlain for the fourth-highest points in an NBA game. Scoring 70 or more points in a game places a player in a very exclusive group within NBA history.