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.

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.

To make room to bring Smart aboard, the Lakers on Sunday waived guards Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin. This article was originally published on www.si.com as Marcus Smart Opens Up About Luka Doncic's Lakers Recruitment: 'Meant a Lot'.