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.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart reveals that he is motivated after battling injuries for much of the past two seasons.

Smart, who will be entering his 12th season in the NBA, is a tenacious, pesky defender who won the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year award and has been named to the All-Defensive first team three times. He's also a capable secondary ball-handler and facilitator, not to mention a resourceful player overall.

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

It's clear from the offseason moves made by general manager Rob Pelinka that the Los Angeles Lakers are going all-in on an NBA championship in 2025.