A second offseason signing for the Los Angeles Lakers has revealed something surprising about LeBron James.
The Lakers made a second significant offseason move by bringing in former Boston Celtics wing Marcus Smart. He joins DeAndre Ayton as the big moves made by the Lakers, which will be analysed closely by James who contemplates his future.
James, unhappy with the Lakers’ lack of direction in recent seasons, is in an ongoing feud with the team as he looks to position himself for his fifth NBA title.
Smart goes some way to resolving that. He will be a key defensive piece on the court and a leader in the locker room, but he shared something about James that suggests not all is well in his camp.
Marcus Smart said that he has not heard from LeBron James after signing with the LA Lakers
Smart, in his introductory press meeting in LA, said that he is yet to hear from the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron James, despite signing with the team three days before making the comments.
He is the second Lakers signing to make this claim. When Ayton signed with the Lakers, he said he had heard from Lakers star Luka Doncic, but not James. Interestingly, they both cited the same reason: “He’s a busy man”.
One instance of this happening can be chalked down to coincidence. James had the wrong number, he simply forgot, whatever it may be. But twice? It seems James could be trying to send a message.
While signs point towards James staying with the Lakers, this could be a signal to the team to say, “Don’t forget, I’m still not happy.” Is James trying to keep the Lakers on their toes, and guarded from complacency?
One thing looks certain: This is now Doncic’s team. That is evidenced by what the Slovenian did to get Smart in the building.
Marcus Smart said Luka Doncic recruited him to the LA Lakers
Smart said to the media that he joined the Lakers because of Doncic’s recruitment.
He said, “When you get a guy like Luka calling, checking on you, trying to see where you’re at and if you’re trying to join something special that he’s got cooking over here, and for him to say he can really use my help, that meant a lot.”
That’s revealing. To say that the Lakers’ project is Doncic’s shows that not only is it his team, but he is most likely there to stay. His contract runs out at the end of next season and there is anxiety in the Lakers’ front office that Doncic may not re-sign, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
But Doncic’s investment in recruiting for the team shows a level of commitment that suggests he is there for the long run with one of the NBA’s most successful franchises.
Smart continued, “I’ve played against Luka a lot, and I’ve been on the opposing end to a lot of ‘Luca magic’, and to be able to come out and be on his side this time means a lot.”
“It first came when I got a call from my agent to say Luka reached out. I say, ‘Yeah, okay, whatever.’ Then another day, ‘Luca reached out again.’ Now it’s real. It’s no longer what ifs, it’s something we need to talk about. That’s what got things going for me to be here.”
While there are questions around whether James is fully bought into this Lakers’ squad, there are no questions about Doncic. With the defence of Smart next to him, LA’s ceiling got a whole lot higher.