By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Luka Dončić has made it clear he wants to be remembered as “the guy that brought championships to the city.”
Entering his second season with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Slovenian star is already taking steps to shape a title-contending roster— with reportedly personally reaching out to Marcus Smart.
According to Shams Charania, the former Boston Celtics guard is set to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers after finalizing a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards. To open a roster spot, the Lakers plan to waive guard Shake Milton.
Smart, known for his grit and defensive intensity, will join a revamped Lakers core that includes Dončić, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and newly acquired center Deandre Ayton. After missing the playoffs the last two seasons with Memphis and Washington, Smart returns to the big stage, where he made the postseason in each of his nine years with Boston.
Though injuries limited him to just 54 games last season and a career-low 20 minutes per game, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year brings valuable experience to a Lakers squad eager to chase another championship.