Luka Doncic showed off that he can dish out assists outside of the basketball court too, giving general manager Rob Pelinka a valuable assist that helped the Los Angeles Lakers land Marcus Smart.

After reaching a buyout with the Washington Wizards, Smart signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers. The 11-year veteran Smart revealed at his introductory press conference that Doncic played a role in his decision to join Los Angeles as the latter expressed that he “needed his help.”

Smart’s offensive contributions may have fallen off from his time with the Boston Celtics, but this part of his game has never been a major part of his arsenal. His true value comes from his work on the other end of the floor where he has made a name for himself through his elite defense.

The 31-year-old was the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and is a three-time member of the NBA All-Defense First Team–all of which came during his nine-year stint with the Celtics. Smart reached the 2022 NBA Finals with Boston, the highlight of his nine consecutive playoff appearances with the team before he was traded away in 2023. 

Since departing from the Celtics though, the 6’3 guard has appeared in only 54 games over the past two seasons where he suited up for the Memphis Grizzlies and Wizards. He averaged just 20 minutes per game last season and posted averages of just nine points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists–all of which are well below his career norms.

The Lakers may be taking somewhat of a gamble on Smart based on his recent injury history, but the upside that he brings far outweighs the risk. When healthy, he can ably cover opposing teams’ top perimeter threat, something that Los Angeles direly needs following the recent departure of Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets Rockets.

Doncic and Austin Reaves have never been known for their defense, which gives Smart a clear path towards a major role with the Lakers regardless of whether he winds up starting or coming off the bench. 

If Smart can stay on the floor and recapture even a modicum of his All-Defense form, he could be the piece that spells the difference between an early exit and deep postseason run for Los Angeles. When slotted next to Doncic’s brilliance, the defensive intensity that he brings to the table provides the team with a strong balance. The Lakers’ backcourt now looks much more capable than it did at the end of last season and they can very well end up being the launching pad for a surprise run.