Luka Doncic reportedly helped recruit Smart to the Lakers. In addition, a clip from "The Old Man & the Three" podcast has been unearthed where Lakers coach JJ Redick had some glowing things to say about the former Defensive Player of the Year. In the clip, which is from 2020, Redick said that Smart is the type of player he would want on his team.

When the Los Angeles Lakers traded for young superstar guard Luka Doncic ahead of February's NBA trade deadline, the franchise's motivations became clear: Build a future for the post-LeBron James era.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been working this summer to put the necessary pieces around LeBron James and Luka Doncic. While the King's potential departure has been discussed, the player profiles that LA is chasing remain the same.