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 Dončić is evidently a playmaker on and off the court. Bringing Marcus Smart to the Los Angeles Lakers was a team effort, one in which Dončić played a meaningful role. On Tuesday, Smart spoke with reporters for his introductory Lakers news conference and credited the recruiting efforts of Dončić as one reason why he's in Los Angeles after reaching a buyout agreement with the Washington Wizards.

Marcus Smart, at his introductory news conference with the Lakers on Tuesday, credited Luka Doncic for recruiting him to Los Angeles.