Luka Doncic's 'Active' Lakers Recruiting Efforts Detailed in New Report amid Rumors
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić's voice has reportedly been heard in his first offseason with L.A., both inside team headquarters and outside the facility as an "active recruiter" for the Purple and Gold, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic.
"Dončić, according to league sources, had communicated his desires for a capable rim-running center, shooting help and defensive support," Woike wrote. "The Lakers responded by filling those needs with Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and, soon, Marcus Smart."
Dončić reportedly had a big hand in recruiting Ayton and Smart, both free agents after contract buyouts, to L.A.
"In addition to that, league sources said, Dončić has been an active recruiter for the Lakers this summer and helped secure commitments from Ayton and Smart after both unexpectedly hit free agency via contract buyouts," Woike added.
ESPN's Shams Charania also previously reported Saturday that Dončić had connected with Smart directly in order to get him to L.A.
Dončić represents the present and future in Los Angeles. L.A. acquired him in a shocking trade on Feb. 1 that most notably featured Anthony Davis heading to the Dallas Mavericks.
The Lakers still have megastar LeBron James, of course, and the GOAT candidate turned in a great year himself, earning second-team All-NBA honors. But it's unclear how much longer the 40-year-old, who has played 22 NBA seasons, will play in the Association as he winds down a legendary career.
Ultimately, the 26-year-old Dončić is the franchise cornerstone now thanks to a resume that includes five straight All-NBA First Team recognitions and a phenomenal career stat line (28.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 8.2 APG).
It's clear Lakers brass is listening to him. And if the last few weeks have been any indication, other players are as well.
