Luka Doncic's arrival to the Los Angeles Lakers was a grand entrance that signaled the start of something new and exciting for the organization. And now, according to NBA insider Marc Stein, it appears there's one focal element of Doncic's role on the Lakers that should be exciting to the fanbase: Luka was apparently playing a big part in helping recruit guys like Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton to the team.
The idea of Doncic putting on a recruiter hat is not something we saw very often during his time in Dallas. He was not really a part of the front office process, and the Mavericks were happy to make most major decisions by themselves.
His situation with the Lakers now feels a bit different. The stars may matter more in Los Angeles than anywhere else, and the fact that Doncic is already tapping into that reality and leaning into his influence says a lot about how invested he is. He is not just the centerpiece of this team on the hardwood, but he's also actively helping to shape its future off the court.
And when you look at the roster, it is clear that the Lakers are being intentional. Ayton and Smart both fit clear needs this team had in a rim-running big and a point-of-attack defender. They are targeted additions that clearly fit a vision, and one that Doncic reportedly helped bring to life.
Doncic is helping build the team around him
It is also worth pointing out how well these two new pieces complement Luka's game. Ayton is at his best when he is catching lobs and not being asked to create much on his own. That pairs well with Doncic’s ability to draw multiple defenders and hit guys around the basket for easy buckets. Smart, on the other hand, gives them a defensive safety net and someone who can guard the opposing team's best perimeter scorer without needing many touches on offense.
All of this points to a version of Luka Doncic that we have not fully seen before. Not just the elite scorer and offensive engine, but the engaged leader and team builder.
There will still be growing pains, as blending all of this talent together is never simple, but the team's direction feels clear. Luka has embraced the spotlight in Los Angeles, and is starting to understand what it takes to do that on every level.
The Lakers are giving him the tools, and the rest will be up to him. But judging by what we are seeing this offseason, it feels like the superstar we all knew in Dallas might be entering a different kind of greatness in LA.