Mavs' Smith taking steps toward assuming a leadership role, developing chemistry with Doncic

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SHANGHAI - Perched on the rooftop, 58th-floor nightclub of their hotel, the Mavericks gathered for a team photograph Thursday morning.

First player to get his camera out and start clicking away? Dennis Smith Jr.

Being in front for his team. Showing them the way. Leading them.

That's the role the second-year point guard wants.

Smith is trying his best to be the new leader, or at least one of the new leaders, in a locker room that has several old-timers who have done the job before him.

As the Mavericks' stay in Shanghai was winding down -- they play the first of two preseason games Friday against Philadelphia before flying south to Shenzhen for a game Monday -- Smith's…