Luka Dončić is evidently a playmaker on and off the court. Bringing Marcus Smart to the Los Angeles Lakers was a team effort, one in which Dončić played a meaningful role. On Tuesday, Smart spoke with reporters for his introductory Lakers news conference and credited the recruiting efforts of Dončić as one reason why he's in Los Angeles after reaching a buyout agreement with the Washington Wizards.

On Aug. 2, which is just over a week from now, Luka Doncic will be eligible to sign a long-term contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers. While there was previously a bit of anxiety regarding whether he would commit to staying with the team beyond this coming season, there seems to be a new confidence that he will be staying put.