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.

Redick has worn many hats over the past five years: NBA player, basketball analyst, media personality and now NBA head coach. In a nearly five-year-old clip from Redick’s former podcast, The Old Man and the Three, he praised Smart’s value, especially his energy and defensive impact.