LeBron James Still Hasn’t Reached Out to Marcus Smart Yet, But There’s A Good Reason originally appeared on Fadeaway World.

Luka Doncic reportedly helped recruit Smart to the Lakers. In addition, a clip from "The Old Man & the Three" podcast has been unearthed where Lakers coach JJ Redick had some glowing things to say about the former Defensive Player of the Year. In the clip, which is from 2020, Redick said that Smart is the type of player he would want on his team.

The Phoenix Suns have claimed former Lakers guard Jordan Goodwin off free agency waivers, sources tell ESPN. Goodwin, waived by the Lakers to create roster space for Marcus Smart, is a gritty, upside pickup for the Suns backcourt.

The Phoenix Suns have been chasing a familiar path of late, looking to add a veteran point guard to bolster the position. Shams Charania recently broke the news of Marcus Smart signing with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Perhaps the claims that incoming Lakers guard Marcus Smart has declined, especially on defense, have been greatly exaggerated.