The 31-year-old point guard Marcus Smart officially joined the Los Angeles Lakers and signed a two-year contract. Marcus Smart said he was very happy that Lakers star Doncic took the initiative to contact him and looked forward to bringing outstanding performance to the team.

Marcus Smart, who was born in Texas, was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Washington Wizards in February of this year. He played 15 games for the Washington Wizards in the 2024/25 NBA season, averaging 9.3 points, 3-point shooting percentage of 39.2%, and shooting percentage of 44.0%.

Marcus Smart said in an interview, "When you get a call from someone like Luka Doncic and introduce me, try to understand my situation, and see if I would like to join his special plan with the team and say he needs my help, it means a lot."

When it comes to LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart said, "They are two of the best players in the game and the smartest basketball players I have ever seen in this era."

"I've seen the magic of Luka Doncic as an opponent, and now I'm able to see it here in person, so I figured why not give it a try."

When asked what role he would play in the Los Angeles Lakers, Marcus Smart said, "Just be myself, play tough defense, bring my intensity, leadership and wisdom, and continue to be the guard that opponents hate."

"Players fight so hard to win a championship, and what better place to pursue that goal than here?"