Luka Doncic Officially Announces Marcus Smart Trade To The Lakers

The Lakers made headlines this weekend, landing Marcus Smart after his buyout from the Washington Wizards. But this wasn’t just another routine roster move. It wasn’t GM Rob Pelinka or even LeBron James orchestrating the deal—it was Luka Doncic.

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The Call That Changed Everything

Luka, the Slovenian superstar who had already conquered Europe and led Dallas to the NBA Finals, was traded to the Lakers in February 2025 in a blockbuster three-team deal. The move paired Luka with his childhood idol, LeBron, and set the stage for a new Lakers dynasty.

But Luka wasn’t content to let greatness come to him. He knew that championships require more than star power—they demand the right supporting cast. So, with the same precision that made him a pick-and-roll maestro, Luka began recruiting his own teammates.

His first target: Marcus Smart, the defensive bulldog who’d spent nine seasons with Boston, won Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, and had just endured a turbulent stretch with Memphis and Washington.

Luka’s Personal Pitch

Unlike the usual NBA recruiting—a few texts or social media DMs—Luka picked up the phone and called Smart directly, multiple times, from Europe.
Smart recalled:
“Played against Luka a lot… To be able to be on his side now means a lot.”

These weren’t perfunctory calls. Luka was evolving, stepping into a leadership role, building a championship vision and inviting Smart to join him.

Marcus Smart’s Journey

Smart’s past two years had been a roller coaster: traded away from Boston just before they won the 2024 championship, injuries in Memphis, and a forgettable stint in Washington. At 30, his durability was in question, and his future uncertain.

But Luka saw beyond the stats and injuries. He saw the intangibles: Smart’s defensive instincts, leadership, and ability to elevate a team in clutch moments. The Lakers desperately needed perimeter defense, someone who could take on the league’s best scorers and lighten the load for LeBron and Anthony Davis.

The Perfect Storm

On July 19th, 2025, Smart agreed to a buyout with Washington, making him the most accomplished defensive player on the market. The Lakers, using their bi-annual exception, signed him to a two-year, $11 million deal with a player option—a low-risk, high-reward move.

For Smart, it was a chance at redemption, relevance, and a championship ring. For the Lakers, it was a crucial step in building a roster that could contend immediately.

Luka: From Superstar to Architect

Luka’s involvement didn’t stop with Smart. He reportedly reached out to DeAndre Ayton as well, actively shaping the Lakers’ future. This was a new Luka—no longer hands-off, but a true franchise cornerstone, recruiting talent and collaborating with the front office.

This shift is significant. Traditionally, European players leave roster construction to management. But Luka’s transformation into an active recruiter could set a precedent for superstar involvement in team building.

The Ripple Effect

Smart’s addition immediately bolsters LA’s perimeter defense, allowing LeBron to conserve energy and Davis to focus on anchoring the paint. But the move also signals to Luka that the Lakers are committed to winning—and to keeping him for the long term, with a contract extension looming.

If Luka’s recruiting can attract stars with mid-level deals, imagine what he’ll do when the Lakers have max cap space. The balance of power in the NBA could shift dramatically.

The Stakes

Smart’s health is the biggest question. If he can stay on the court and regain his Boston form, he’ll be a game-changer. But the bigger story is Luka’s evolution—his personal investment in building a championship team.

“He didn’t have to say much,” Smart said of Luka’s pitch. “He’s a competitor, and you know it when he talks.”

As the 2025–26 season approaches, all eyes are on LA. Will Luka’s player-driven recruitment translate to a title? Can Smart bounce back and become the Lakers’ defensive anchor?

Whatever the outcome, Luka’s bold new approach is already changing how superstars lead—and how teams build for championships.