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.

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.

Marcus Smart's commitment to the team is expected to be displayed through his offseason conditioning efforts, as he aims to be a high-impact signing for the Lakers.