Luka Dončić reveals how Marcus Smart helps with defense transformation

The Lakers Los Angeles provided the Dedication of Luke Doncica this out-season By signing at a cost of $ 165 million, it was committed to a franchise through the season from 2028-29 and removing the player options for 2026-27. Using Lebron James potentially enters his last year by franchise, Lakers have now set up Dončić as a clear face of the team of the team. Much of that vision includes a defensive overhaul, the one who believes Doncic Marcus Smart will significantly affect.

Speaking at the recent media conference, 26-year-old Slovenian credited smart, because the catalyst for change, Especially at the defensive end.

“I think it’s much better. Obviously we have Marcus, so he will teach me some things,” Luke Dončić said, referring to the defensive shortcomings of Lakers during their 4-1 loss of the first round.

This series exhibited its need for the perimeter of defense and the smart, defensive player in the year 2022, arrives as a direct solution.

Doncic actively recruited Smartwho signed after insurance redemption with Washington Wizards. In addition to the smart, Lakers also landed Deandra Aton this summer. These moves show the aggressive pressure of Lakers to build around Doncy, who is now the only player under contract in the season 2027-28. With over 100 million dollars of potential space on a hat until 2026. year, Los Angeles could chase future free agents like Giannis Antetokounpo or Donovan Mitchell.

Doncic’s off-season transformation was not unnoticed either. After limited to only 50 games in 2024-25, due to the left load of calf, he lowered almost 20 kilograms. He said male health, “only visually, I would say that the whole whole body looks better”, crediting without a gluten free diet, and strength and intensive physical training.

Last season, despite injuries, Dončić has previously passed 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game. In 2023-24, he led the league with 33.9 PPG, which is highest of 34.3 in 2019-20.

Luka Dončić remains one of only two NBA players, next to Giannis Antetokounpo, to average at least 28 points per game in each of the last four seasons. It is also average on average 25+ points, eight + jumps and seven + assists each year from 2021-22, a feat only underbody Nikola Jokić.