In a recent candid interview with the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic didn’t hold back when discussing the defenders who make his life on the court a living nightmare. Among the elite names, one stood out: former Boston Celtics Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, now Doncic’s teammate in the glitzy purple and gold of LA. The other? New Orleans Pelicans’ tenacious forward Herb Jones. According to Doncic, these two are the defensive “headaches” that keep him up at night.
Smart, a gritty guard known for his relentless, in-your-face style, has long been a thorn in the side of offensive juggernauts like Doncic. During his nine-year tenure with the Boston Celtics, Smart earned a reputation as a pest who thrives on disrupting his opponents’ rhythm. For a ball-dominant maestro like Doncic, who orchestrates the game with surgical precision, Smart’s smothering defense is the equivalent of a loud, off-key trumpet blaring in the middle of a symphony. “He’s always in your space, making you uncomfortable,” Doncic hinted, reflecting on the countless battles where Smart’s tenacity left him frustrated.
Now, in a twist of fate, Doncic only has to endure Smart’s defensive wizardry in practice. The two are teammates after a blockbuster move that brought the former Celtic to the Lakers, a decision reportedly influenced by Doncic himself. “When you get a guy like Luka calling, checking on you, trying to see if you want to join something special he’s cooking up, it means a lot,” Smart revealed to Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times. “For him to say he can really use my help—that’s big. I’ve been on the opposing end of Luka’s magic too many times. To be on his side now? It’s huge.”
Smart’s defensive prowess is no secret. In Boston, he was the heartbeat of a defensive juggernaut, anchoring a unit that powered the Celtics to the playoffs every year of his tenure, including a thrilling NBA Finals run in 2022. His ability to lock down guards and even bigger wings with his 6’3”, 220-pound frame made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opponents. However, the Celtics traded Smart before the 2023-24 season in a deal that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Boston, paving the way for their 2024 NBA Championship alongside new addition Jrue Holiday.
Smart’s post-Boston journey wasn’t without turbulence. Injuries hampered his stint with the Memphis Grizzlies, and a subsequent trade to the Washington Wizards saw him grind through a challenging season. Yet, in the nation’s capital, Smart showed flashes of his old brilliance, proving he still has plenty left in the tank. Now, as he dons the Lakers’ iconic purple and gold, Smart is poised to bring his defensive grit to a team hungry for a return to glory.
For Doncic, having Smart in his corner is a game-changer. The same defender who once gave him “headaches” is now a key ingredient in the “something special” he’s cooking up in LA. As the new season looms, the Lakers’ faithful are buzzing with anticipation. With Smart’s dogged defense and Doncic’s offensive wizardry, this unlikely duo could be the spark that sets the league ablaze. One thing’s for sure: the next time Luka faces a defensive “bum” like Smart, it’ll be in practice—and he’ll be glad for it.