Luka’s Leadership: How Doncic Fended Off a $4.3 B Franchise to Land Marcus Smart
Los Angeles — In a move that underscores Luka Dončić’s growing influence within the Lakers organization, the superstar guard has emerged as the driving force behind Los Angeles securing Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart—despite stiff competition from a rival franchise reportedly valued at $4.3 billion.
Sources close to veteran reporter Marc Stein revealed that Dončić personally reached out to Smart following his buyout with Washington. The pitch was simple, but effective: a vision of a championship-contending Lakers featuring Luka, LeBron, Austin Reaves, and a tenacious perimeter defender. According to Stein, “the recent Dončić pitch … particularly resonated with Smart and helped lead the former Defensive Player of the Year to choose the Lakers over a determined push by the Suns” (Sportskeeda).
The $4.3 B Rival
Rumors suggest that the Phoenix Suns—or another wealthy, $4.3 billion–valued franchise—mounted a serious offer to reel in Smart. But ultimately, their pitch failed to match Dončić’s appeal and Lakers’ long-term direction. Smart reportedly weighed other offers before being swayed by the clarity of his role in L.A.’s rotation and the allure of teaming with Luka (Sportskeeda, Silver Screen and Roll, SI).
Winning the Buyout Sweepstakes
Smart had been on the trade block earlier this month, but after a buyout agreement with the Wizards, he became an unrestricted free agent. Lakers insider Shams Charania reports that Smart is set to sign a two‑year, $11 million deal—complete with a player option for 2026—even as the club waives Shake Milton to create roster space (Reuters).
Multiple outlets confirm that Smart, a three‑time All‑Defensive First Team selection and 2022 DPOY, averaged 9.0 points and 3.2 assists in a season derailed by injury, but remains one of the league’s premier on‑ball defenders (Reuters).
Filling Lakers’ Gaps
Los Angeles addressed key roster weaknesses this offseason—such as center, wing scoring, and back‑court defense—through smart free-agent additions. Along with signing Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia, Smart’s arrival fills the critical guard‑defender role alongside LeBron, Reaves, and Luka himself (Sportskeeda).
The Lakers are banking on Smart’s mix of physicality, tenacity, and veteran leadership to boost their postseason prospects. His arrival could foil competitor offensive schemes by shadowing top opposing guards and wings each night.
Luka: The Franchise Architect
What makes this signing shift the narrative for Los Angeles is Dončić’s proactive involvement. It’s rare for a player—even one of Luka’s caliber—to lead recruitment of extension‑eligible veterans. Yet this move not only cements his stature in the locker room, but signals a franchise pivot toward building around him (The Times of India).
NBA insiders have hailed Dončić’s role as evidence of his “LeGM” evolution—player rising into team-building leadership. On Reddit, one fan quipped, “It’s like if you have an abusive GF and Sydney Sweeney tells you to leave …” capturing the charm and conviction of Luka’s recruitment
The Path Ahead
With the Smart deal soon to be formalized, Lakers fans can map out a deeper, more balanced projected starting lineup:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| PG | Marcus Smart |
| SG | Austin Reaves |
| SF | LeBron James |
| PF | Luka Dončić |
| C | Deandre Ayton |
This group—anchored by elite talent, defense, and veteran savvy—is viewed as a strong contender for a deep playoff run. Smart’s arrival lightens defensive burden, allowing Luka and LeBron to focus on offensive synergy and late-game execution.
Conclusion
What began as a standard buyout prospect swiftly turned into a watershed moment for the Lakers franchise. Instead of being a passive beneficiary of front-office chess, it was Luka Dončić who directly lured a top-tier two-way talent to Hollywood, outmaneuvering a high-spending competitor.
This isn’t just another signing—it’s a statement: that Dončić is no longer simply part of the Lakers; he is the Lakers. And with his imprint on the roster, the message is clear: Championship or bust.
