Do you remember what the fans call LeBron James? Yes, LeGM. Many believe LeBron knows about every move the Lakers make before they turn a page. Apparently, he knew that the front office was trading Anthony Davis. He also knew about Luka’s arrival. And now seems to be at a crossroads with the 26-year-old guard’s future. Should James take some responsibility for retaining Doncic, or should he sit back? Stephen A. Smith, while taking an interesting path, has a lot to say.
Well, Smith may never stop talking about the “what ifs” of his encounter with Bron not too long ago. But he’s definitely learned how to go about the affair subtly. Especially when it comes to Bronny James, Stephen A. Smith seems like a changed man. Is he? The ESPN veteran won’t be less critical of the father-son duo, but won’t stir up another controversy, it seems.
In the latest edition of First Take, the 57-year-old sat with Kendrick Perkins and Brian Windhorst to discuss whether LeBron James should be involved in Luka’s contract extension in LA. According to Stephen A., Bron should. “Please don’t stab me in the heart. I’m not committing a crime here,” Smith said. “I’m just reporting the facts. Isn’t Bronny James on that roster? You’re trying to tell me that the Los Angeles Lakers were clamoring to go and get him with the number 55 overall pick? They just couldn’t wait to do it? That’s what happened? It had nothing to do with LeBron?” he asked.
Feb 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
The business of the NBA is about relationships, and “LeBron has a relationship with the Los Angeles Lakers. He has a relationship, one would surmise, with teammates in his locker room,” Stephen A. Smith noted. So, regardless of the financial figures, though money plays a crucial role, the point remains. If you’re someone like Luka, the Lakers’ offer isn’t unique. While Dallas might not match it, other teams likely would. Moreover, on the free agent market, Luka could still secure a similar deal. Therefore, money alone won’t decide his future.
Relationships and influence inside the locker room could tip the scale. “Those relationships that a Rob Pelinka can’t have, a Jeanie Buss can’t have, but you can have with your teammate inside that locker room—which LeBron James is clearly a leader in and has influence in—there is something to be said about your ability to ingratiate yourself with your teammates. To make the proposition of him staying that much more appealing,” Smith concluded.
As you can see, Stephen A. Smith was pretty careful around his statement about Bronny James. However, with the Luka, LeBron, and Lakers situation, the veteran seems clear. And therefore, he has a suggestion for the Chosen One.
Stephen A. Smith thinks LeBron James should involve himself in things that matter the most for LA
The Lakers, masters at luring elite talent, must now juggle LeBron’s legacy with Luka‘s potential future. Naturally, the franchise should do whatever it takes to keep them both in purple and gold. However, LeBron, in classic fashion, shrugged off any front-office responsibility, telling ESPN it’s not his job to steer the team’s plans or Luka’s decisions.
“No, that ain’t my job,” James told ESPN. “I think … I don’t think, I know, Luka knows how I feel about him. And ultimately, that trade happened for the future. That’s not for me. Luka has to decide what he has to do with his future. He’s 26 years old, I’m 40, so he can’t be basing his career off me. That’s just real.” Now, Stephen A. Smith has an opinion, nothing new in here!
Dec 12, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks with Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) after the Mavericks defeat the Lakes at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“It is not LeBron James’ responsibility to ensure that Luka Doncic re-signs with the Los Angeles Lakers. But that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t feel a responsibility. That’s where we’re going here,” Smith clarified. “I want to emphasize it is not LeBron’s responsibility—meaning, from the rest of us, he shouldn’t have that official responsibility. But should he feel a responsibility? Well, the operative words would be: ‘Why not?’”
In the end, no one’s handing LeBron a clipboard—but maybe he should grab one anyway. After all, legacy and leadership often walk hand in hand. While it’s not his duty to seal Luka’s future, his influence could quietly shape it. And if the King wants more rings in LA, helping court the crown prince might just be the smartest move yet.
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