The Los Angeles Lakers haven't had their big three of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves for much of the season, as at least one has been sidelined. 

At the moment, Doncic is in street clothes with a hamstring injury. 

With Doncic out, others for the Lakers have had to step up and expand their role a bit, considering Luka's all-around offensive brilliance, but specifically his creation for others. 

Enter Marcus Smart, the 12-year veteran who is joining the Lakers in the offseason after battling injuries that have limited him to 54 games the past two seasons between the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards.

Speaking to the media after the Lakers fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, Smart was asked if he's had to expand his role with Doncic Out.

"Definitely," he replied. "With Luka out, we took a big blow on the offensive end. I want to keep contributing what I can on both ends. With [Austin Reaves] and LeBron, teams are honing in on them with Luka out."

Smart mentioned that things become more open for players like him, Rui Hachimura, and Jake LaRavia.

"Just trying to take advantage and keep the defense honest to give those guys a little help on that end," said Smart. 

Smart said that playmaking is part of his game, but it isn't showcased as much with Luka in the lineup. 

Smart is averaging just 2.8 assists this season, which is a career low for him outside of the 15 games he played in a Wizards uniform. 

From 2016 to 2023, as a member of the Boston Celtics, Smart averaged over four assists per season. In 2023, his final season with Boston, he averaged a career high of 6.3 assists. 

Smart played alongside Isaiah Thomas, Kyrie Irving, and Kemba Walker during his time in Boston, though the playmaking abilities of those three guards varied. He also played alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as they rose to superstardom, but looked for their shot first. 

With Doncic, James, and Reaves, Smart is utilized more as a spot open shooter, screener, and cutter. Over half of his shot attempts are catch-and-shoot looks from three. 

Compare that to his final season on the Celtics, when the ball was in his hands more, and he was getting to the rim and taking more pull-up jumpers. 

Smart has slowed down over the years due to injuries and age, but with the Lakers lacking playmaking and reliable creation past their top three, Smart has become a go-to guy.