The three hitters that have occupied the heart of the Rangers’ lineup for years did something they hadn't done many times before Tuesday.

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.

Despite his long ties to the Celtics, Smart expects Boston fans to boo him when he faces the team in a Lakers uniform this season. Smart signed with one of the Celtics' biggest rivals by joining the Lakers on a two-year, $11 million deal this offseason.

“Jordan Goodwin was good last year, and they had to waive him to get Marcus Smart, who’s played like 40 games in the last two years,” Lowe said. “There is a universe, and I’m not saying that we’re going to live in this universe — the Lakers certainly don’t want to — where Jordan Goodwin is as good next season as Marcus Smart. He was good.”

Marcus Smart is projected to join the Los Angeles Lakers’ starting lineup, assuming he does in fact sign a contract as expected, according to Lakers insider Jovan Buha.

In less than three weeks since choosing Iowa State, three-star 2026 guard Marcus Zelee has decommitted from the Cyclones.

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

Marcus Davenport is standing out at Detroit Lions training camp.