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Lakers’ Marcus Smart reveals Luka Doncic’s recruiting pitch
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- Lakers’ Marcus Smart reveals Luka Doncic’s recruiting pitch
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The post Lakers' Marcus Smart reveals Luka Doncic's recruiting pitch appeared first on ClutchPoints .
The Los Angeles Lakers made a significant addition of late to their team, with the Purple Gold signing former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to a two-year, $11 million contract. At this point, it's already known that Los Angeles superstar guard Luka Doncic had played a role in convincing Smart to come to Tinseltown.
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On Tuesday, Smart opened up on Doncic's recruitment that helped him decide to check out the Lakers and eventually sign with them. Smart was said to be interested in joining a team with NBA Playoff aspirations once a buyout with the Washington Wizards was completed.
"You know, when you get a guy like Luka calling, referencing, checking on you, trying to see where you're at, to see if you want to come, join something special that he's trying to cook up over here," Smart told reporters, including Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
"And for him to say that, to see that he can really use my help, that meant a lot. Played against Luka a lot, been on a lot of opposing ends of Luka Magic. And to be able to come out and be on his side at this time means a lot," added Smart, who joins Doncic in the Lakers' backcourt that now features an elite offensive machine in the Slovenian superstar and a distinguished defensive weapon in the former Oklahoma State Cowboys star.
Smart was also asked if he had a prior relationship with Doncic.
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"I wouldn't say it was a relationship," the 31-year-old guard responded. "But we definitely had a mutual understanding and respect for each other. After every game, playing, it was always flowers."
Additionally, Smart recalled the times that Doncic tried to reach out to him.
"I'm working out, and I get a call from my agent saying, hey, Luka's reached out. And I'm like, yeah, whatever, all right. And then another day, same thing, Luka reached out again. And now it's real, it's no longer what ifs. It's real and it's something we need to talk about. And that was a great feeling, like I said. And that's kind of what kind of got things going for me to be here. And I'm excited to be here."
Getting Smart appears like, well, a smart move for the Lakers . Not only does it give them a reliable and proven defensive piece, it also takes one big thorn in the side of Doncic as an opponent.
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A first-round pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2014 NBA draft, Smart has averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game, so far in his career in the league.
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