Behind-the-scenes recruiting, roster influence, and a glow-up show Luka Doncic's silent takeover in Los Angeles.

Before Marcus Smart landed with the Los Angeles Lakers, the New York Knicks were very much in the mix to sign the veteran guard. However, the latest reporting has revealed why Smart ultimately passed on New York.

Marcus Smart signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Lakers in July 2025. The move is very similar to Rajon Rondo

At the start of the 2025 offseason, Rob Pelinka was under heavy fire. The Lakers had just been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Dorian Finney-Smith, their best perimeter defender and an elite two-way wing, left in free agency.

Take a look at Marcus Smart's best plays from the last two seasons as he plans to join the Lakers after a contract buyout with the Wizards.

The Knicks are eyeing Marcus Smart and Kevin McCullar Jr. for their final roster spots. Summer League players like James Nnaji and Dink Pate are also in the mix. Caught on camera: CEO resigns after uncomfortable moment at Coldplay concert goes viral NATO ...

While other teams like the Suns and Bucks reportedly pursued Smart as a free agent, turns out, Luka Doncic helped recruit Smart to Los Angeles. Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, Doncic "reached out to Smart and made it clear that he wanted to play with the two-way stalwart."

Host discusses Jordan Walsh's potential, Joe Mazzulla's rotation challenges, and the Celtics' frontcourt needs. He also analyzes the impact of the NBA's second apron