Ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, the LA Lakers are actively scouting the market to improve their roster. Luka Doncic is seemingly playing a significant role in his team’s recruitment drive. The Slovenian point guard, who only joined the Lakers earlier this year, has reportedly taken on a pivotal role in helping the Lakers upgrade their squad and land key signings.
Luka Doncic is ‘active’ in recruiting NBA players to the Lakers
Luka Doncic is leading the way for the Los Angeles Lakers this off-seaon. The 26-year-old point guard has reportedly already assisted his team in acquiring Deandre Ayton. Now, Marcus Smart is also set to sign with the 17-time NBA champions thanks to Doncic’s efforts.
“Doncic, according to league sources, had communicated his desires for a capable rim-running center, shooting help and defensive support,” The Athletic’s Dan Woike stated in his update. “The Lakers responded by filling those needs with Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and, soon, Marcus Smart. In addition to that, league sources said Doncic has been an active recruiter for the Lakers this summer and helped secure commitments from Ayton and Smart after both unexpectedly hit free agency via contract buyouts,” the journalist added.
Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards. He is now set to put pen to paper on a two-year contract, worth $11 million, with the Lakers. It has also been reported that Doncic contacted Smart himself to convince the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year that he was eager to join forces with him.
To accommodate Smart, the Lakers have already waived guards Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin. Moreover, Jake LaRavia is the only other addition to the squad. It remains to be seen whether J.J. Redick’s side makes more changes ahead of the next season’s commencement in October.
