Veteran NBA guard Marcus Smart provides some details on how Luka Doncic tried to convince him to come to the Lakers.

Veteran guard Marcus Smart is the newest Los Angeles Laker after (1) the Washington Wizards bought out his contract, and (2) Lakers superstar Luka Doncic pushed to get him over to La La Land and into the Purple and Gold.

On Saturday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Los Angeles Lakers agreed to sign two-way guard Marcus Smart to a two-year, $11 million deal after he was bought out by the Washington Wizards. Smart,

The 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year says Doncic reaching out “meant a lot,” adding that the chance to play alongside LeBron James was also part of the appeal.

Luka Doncic reportedly helped recruit Smart, and on Tuesday, the guard talked about how much he appreciated Doncic telling him that he should come to Los Angeles.

Smart signed a two-year deal with the Lakers, but he actually wanted to sign with another Western Conference team initially. Luka Doncic helped change his mind to help bring him to LA. More news: LeBron James Reportedly Wanted to Join Mavericks, Team Up With Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis

The body, the publicity, the determined look in his eyes, the sweat reflecting the spotlights, it’s all part of Dončić’'s bigger plan.