The winds of change are blowing through Los Angeles, and for the first time in a long while, it doesn’t feel like LeBron James is at the center of it. The Lakers, a team long defined by the star power of their No. 23, appear to be shifting focus this offseason, leaving many to question just how involved LeBron is in the franchise’s current trajectory.
One of the most notable additions to the Lakers’ roster this summer is veteran guard Marcus Smart. Known for his gritty defense, vocal leadership, and championship mentality, Smart arrives in Los Angeles after a rocky stretch with Memphis, and before that, a celebrated run in Boston. Yet despite joining one of the most high-profile franchises in all of sports, Smart has made headlines not for who he’s spoken to, but for who he hasn’t.
In a recent appearance on 710 ESPN Los Angeles, Smart was asked about his transition to the Lakers and whether he’d had a chance to connect with LeBron James. His response was honest, if somewhat surprising.
“I have not talked to LeBron yet,” Smart admitted. “Bron’s a busy man, I’m going to talk to him when he gets time.”
While his tone wasn’t confrontational, the comment raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. For a player as respected as Smart—who’s made his career on hustle, leadership, and a no-nonsense approach—it’s a bit unusual not to have heard from one of the franchise’s longtime leaders, especially one as vocal and involved as LeBron has traditionally been.
It’s also worth noting that Smart emphasized his focus on the team’s ultimate goal.
“We all have our eye on one thing and that’s to win a championship,” he said. “That’s the goal, and I think everybody knows—as a fan, as a player—we play this game to win championships.”
Those words carry weight coming from a player like Smart, whose playoff experience and defensive prowess make him an invaluable addition to any locker room. Still, the lack of communication between him and LeBron fuels the narrative that James may be slowly stepping back from his once hands-on approach with the team.
This isn’t the first time this offseason that LeBron’s level of engagement has come into question. When former Suns center Deandre Ayton signed with the Lakers, it was also revealed that James didn’t reach out to him either. In previous years, LeBron was often the first to welcome new teammates, acting as both recruiter and ambassador for the team.
Now, however, it seems like the Lakers are undergoing a subtle but significant power shift. With Luka Dončić reportedly taking on more of a leadership role following his high-profile move to Los Angeles, it’s unclear exactly where LeBron fits in the new hierarchy.
For Marcus Smart, though, the mission is clear: win a title. Whether LeBron is leading from the front or taking a more reserved position behind the scenes, Smart is locked in—and he’s bringing his signature intensity with him.
Only time will tell if this new dynamic can bring the Lakers back to championship glory.