LeBron James plans to welcome new additions to La Lakers. Marcus Smart is ready to sign.
Prior to free agency, LeBron James threw a curveball into the mix as he joined his LA Lakers contract, spurring a thinly covered warning to the team.
In a statement by his representative, LeBron James urges La Lakers to strengthen his surroundings for the upcoming season, not just building for the future.
The Lakers have since added center DeAndre Ayton, and are now signing Marcus Smart, former defensive player of the year.
Marcus Smart has many admiration for LeBron James and has previously discussed his long career.
Marcus Smart was asked to compare two different versions of LeBron James during his 2024 podcast appearance.
Smart was quized about LeBron James, who won the NBA title with the Miami Heat in 2012, and the version that missed the championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018.
LeBron won the Cavaliers in 2016, but in 2018 it won a huge number, including the best playoff games ever. 51 points against the Warriors.
This was not enough to prevent the Cavaliers from being swept.
Smart told Run about your race.
“You know what I’m saying? He wasn’t really, and everyone expects him without a team, even though he had no chance to steal at the time. That’s why.”
Now, in 2025, LeBron James needs a stronger “team” around him than ever before. He will turn 41 during the 2025/26 season.
James is currently working with the help of real superstar Luka Donsic. And it’s the first time in his career that LeBron James has stopped being the focus of his team.
However, last season showed that with the help of Austin Reeves, the Lakers would not be enough without a deep “team” around.
The first round 4-1 series to the Minnesota Timberwolves highlighted their flaws with size and defensiveness targeted this offseason.
The addition of Deandre Ayton and the current Marcus Smart can go a long way in helping you solve your problem.
LeBron James in 2025 won’t overcome the 2012 version, but what happens is that the overall sum of the parts around him will help him maximize the current player.