Marcus Smart, known since his 2012 draft for his tenacious perimeter defense, has now signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, joining teammates Luka Doncic and LeBron James—two of the most challenging opponents he has guarded in his career. After nearly a decade with the Boston Celtics, Smart faces a new chapter partnering with players he once saw as daunting adversaries on the court.
Smart’s time defending James has been a defining part of his career, while Doncic, a newer challenge on the defensive end, has consistently impressed him. Reflecting on those years of contesting Doncic’s skills, Smart expressed relief at no longer having to stop him, now sharing the goal of bringing a championship to the Lakers.
The Challenge of Defending Luka Doncic and the Relief of Becoming Teammates
On the Sedano & Kap Show on ESPN LA, Smart described the difficulty in preparing for Doncic’s unpredictable style. Despite studying game film and anticipating Doncic’s moves, Smart found that the Dallas Mavericks star always produced something unexpected or unstoppable. This persistence earned Doncic the nickname “Luka Magic” in the basketball community.
“Awe man, he was a magician literally. The Luka Magic was real. We would game plan for him, you would get yourself ready, you would go look at the film and he would come up with something new or do something that you already knew was coming and you still couldn’t stop it. So to be on the other end of that is definitely a relief and I know that for me, all I gotta do is be able to do my part to help Luka and help this team.” —Marcus Smart, Lakers Guard
In Smart’s view, Doncic’s skill set compensates for his lack of elite athleticism, making him one of the toughest players to contain. Over years of defensive matchups, Smart developed respect for Doncic’s basketball IQ, creativity, and execution—a mutual admiration now channeling into their pursuit of success as teammates.
Doncic’s Role in Recruiting Smart to the Lakers
The competitive history between Smart and Doncic laid the foundation for their new collaboration. When the Lakers sought to strengthen their roster after Smart’s buyout from the Washington Wizards, it was Doncic who personally reached out to him, underscoring the importance of their partnership on the court and off.
Smart acknowledged that the phone call from Doncic convinced him to join the Lakers, emphasizing how meaningful it was to be directly recruited by one of the league’s leading stars. This connection has fueled Smart’s motivation to contribute fully toward the Lakers’ championship aspirations.
The Future Impact of Marcus Smart Joining the Lakers
Marcus Smart’s move to the Los Angeles Lakers reunites him with both LeBron James and Luka Doncic, players he knows well from fierce competition. This unique dynamic is expected to enhance team chemistry and defensive toughness, bringing a new edge to the Lakers’ gameplay. Smart’s defensive prowess combined with Doncic and James’s offensive firepower could be pivotal in chasing a title.
Looking ahead, fans and analysts alike will watch how this trio’s shared experience and competitive history translate into on-court success. Smart’s relief and enthusiasm about his role underscores a promising chapter for the Lakers as they aim to contend at the highest level.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Marcus Smart dye his hair?
A. Marcus Smart shared that his mother always admired his hairstyles, whether it was braiding or letting it grow long. When he began dyeing it, she was fond of that as well. She often mentioned wanting to see him with green hair. Unfortunately, she passed away before he had the chance to try that color.
Q. Is Marcus Smart a nice guy?
A. Marcus is known for being very blunt and direct, which is something I truly appreciate about him. There’s no pretending with him. However, Marcus also has a gentle and caring side that most fans are unaware of. Behind closed doors, he is one of the kindest people you could meet.