Following the Los Angeles Lakers' win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, Luka Doncic was asked in the postgame press conference about Marcus Smart and the impact he has had on this team. Doncic's answer said a lot.
The question was framed within the context of Smart being in the latter stages of his career now, and the fact that he came into the season with some injury questions. His success has been anything but a surprise to Luka.
"I kind of knew who he was," Doncic said. "Every time I played against him, he was guarding me. So I kind of knew what he brings to the table. But also, his leadership on the court. It's very big for us, and he helps everyone."
This was a game in which the Lakers had to come back to defeat the Pelicans, and Doncic was acutely aware that Smart's contributions played a big part in them securing the win as well.
Mar 3, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77), guard Austin Reaves (15) and guard Marcus Smart (36) react against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesSmart's Veteran Leadership
"Obviously, Smart, he's been the key to our wins almost every time," Doncic said.
This kind of statement tells you everything about what Smart brings beyond the box score. He's always been a strong perimeter defender, but having number 77 speak so glowingly of him should serve to underscore his impact.
Smart has built his entire career on contributions that don't always show up in statistics. Things like communication, defensive intensity, holding teammates accountable, and making the right play at the right moment. Those habits don't disappear with age. If anything, they become more refined over time.
For a Lakers team still trying to learn how to consistently play the right way, having a veteran presence who has been through playoff battles and understands winning culture is invaluable. Luka recognized what Smart was from the other side of the court for years, and now he gets to benefit from it every single night.
More Than a Role Player
Smart's value has never been easy to quantify, and that's exactly what has made him underappreciated for much of his career. His impact lives in moments that often don't get tracked: a word in a timeout, a charge taken in the third quarter, a defensive rotation that prevents a run before it starts.
Doncic clearly sees all of it. And when the best player on your team is calling a 31-year-old role player the key to your wins, the rest of the league should probably start paying closer attention.
Smart may be in the latter stages of his career, but Tuesday night was another reminder that he still has plenty left to give.