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Luka Dončić reacts from the bench as the Lakers battle in a playoff game, underscoring his leadership role and influence on the team’s roster decisions, including the recruitment of key veterans.

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to spend the offseason evaluating major roster decisions involving LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.

But according to a new report from The Athletic’s Dan Woike and Sam Amick, veteran guard Marcus Smart may also factor prominently into Los Angeles’ offseason plans.

“Smart, whom Dončić recruited in free agency, could opt out of his deal and seek a longer-term contract,” Woike and Amick wrote. “The Lakers have interest in retaining him.”

Marcus Smart Emerged as Key Lakers Piece During Playoffs

GettyMarcus Smart of the Los Angeles Lakers and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder look on during the fourth quarter in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 07, 2026 in Oklahoma City.

Smart became one of the Lakers’ most important players during the postseason, particularly after injuries to Luka Doncic and Reaves forced the team to lean heavily on veteran depth.

The former Defensive Player of the Year averaged 12.9 points, 5.1 assists and 2.4 steals across 10 playoff games while anchoring the perimeter defense.

His impact was most evident in the second-round series against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Tasked with guarding reigning MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Smart helped contain one of the league’s most explosive scorers. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged just 24.5 points per game on 47.1% shooting — a sharp decline from his 33.8-point average against the Phoenix Suns in the first round.

Even in the Lakers’ season-ending 115-110 Game 4 loss, Smart logged 36 minutes, contributing across the board while handling the toughest defensive assignments.

“I’m proud of this team,” Smart said. “We went down swinging.”

Luka Dončić Recruitment Paid Off for Lakers

Smart’s role in Los Angeles traces back to last offseason, when Dončić personally recruited him to join the franchise.

Smart revealed during his introductory press conference that the Lakers star reached out multiple times, pitching the vision of building something “special” alongside him and James.

“When you get a guy like Luka calling… trying to see if you want to come and join something special that he’s trying to cook up, that meant a lot,” Smart told reporters at the time.

The two had no prior relationship before those calls, but developed what Smart described as a “mutual respect” built through years of competing against each other.

That connection has translated onto the court, where Smart’s defensive presence and playmaking complemented Dončić’s offensive workload throughout the season and playoffs.

Lakers Interested in Marcus Smart Return

Smart holds a $5.3 million player option for next season, though his strong postseason showing may position him to seek a longer-term deal.

According to The Athletic, the Lakers are interested in retaining him — a sign that his value inside the organization has grown significantly.

During the regular season, Smart averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 assists and 1.4 steals in 62 games while working through injuries. He also led the team in the plus-minus category, which reveals his impact went beyond the box scores.

But his playoff performance, leadership and defensive impact helped rebuild his value after difficult stints with the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards.

JJ Redick Signals Roster Changes Ahead

Coach JJ Redick acknowledged after the playoff exit that changes could be coming as the Lakers reassess their championship outlook.

“I believe in continuity,” Redick said. “But we’re not good enough right now.”

That leaves Smart’s future as one of the more intriguing decisions facing the front office.

After arriving as a veteran addition recruited by Dončić, Smart may now have played his way into becoming a legitimate offseason priority for a Lakers team still searching for the right championship formula.