The Los Angeles Lakers dominated headlines last week with a flurry of bold offseason moves, but none made more noise than the acquisition of former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. While credit naturally poured in for GM Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office, newly acquired superstar Luka Doncic has started playing a major role in chalking the team’s title run. Meanwhile, LeBron James, once the undisputed king of L.A., has remained conspicuously silent, even as major roster additions arrive. First Ayton, now Smart. Is this just a shift in leadership, or the beginning of a changing of the guard in the Lakers’ kingdom?

It was Luka Doncic and not the front office who picked up the phone and reached out to Marcus Smart following his buyout from the Washington Wizards. The Slovenian star made his intentions clear: he wanted the veteran guard by his side in Los Angeles. For Smart, who’s spent years going toe-to-toe with Doncic, the opportunity to team up rather than clash wasn’t a bad idea in a legacy team. To be seen in a Laker jersey soon, Smart hasn’t shied away from expressing his admiration for his new teammate, but the response wasn’t comfortable when asked about King.

Everybody knew about the brewing friendship between Smart and Doncic, so the gradual interest was in LeBron James. Everyone was excited to know if the Lakers’ number 23 has reached out to the newest Lakers addition or not. Disappointment on your way, but no. When asked if he talked with King James pre- or post-signing, Smart said, “I have not talked to LeBron yet. LeBron’s a busy man, and I won’t talk to him when he’s got time.” This makes the 31-year-old the second LA signing who has received the silent treatment from James after Deandre Ayton.

For weeks now, there has been a question mark over LeBron James’ position within the Lakers camp. There’s no doubt that the 40-year-old has been the franchise player where he’s been in his career, but for the first time in 23 years, it seems like there’s a power shift on the horizon. While it’s not secret that the Purple & Gold brought in Luka Doncic to be the cornerstone of the franchise in the future, it seems like he’s already overtaken James. Whether you believe it or not, this Marcus Smart trade is a great example of high the Lakers rate Doncic.

Could this be the reason why LeBron James has been giving this cold treatment to his new teammates? No one can answer that question right now. However, all the clues do point in the same direction. But again, James could actually be busy; after all, he was spotted at a beach party alongside his wife and even Jeff Bezos. Nonetheless, although Marcus Smart is now officially a Laker, there’s one thing that the veteran guard is really worried about ahead of the next season.

Marcus Smart expects a hostile reception from Celtics supporters

Alas, Marcus Smart is in Hollywood, but no matter wherever he goes, his past is sure to follow. We all know that the former Defensive Player of the Year spent nine seasons with the Boston Celtics, where he actually made his bones as one of the best and most physical defenders in the league. So, if there’s anyone who knows a thing or two about the LA Lakers and Celtics rivalry, it’s Smart. And it’s safe to safe after his arrival in Southern California. He is expecting a fiery reception from the Cs fans.

“I’m expecting a lot of boos. I’m expecting a lot of hate. And it’s okay, I understand it,” Smart told the reporters during his introductory press conference. It seems like the 31-year-old knows that he wouldn’t be the fan-favorite in Boston, which he once was. Smart was Boston’s son after being drafted into the league by the Celtics in 2014. Then he spent nine years with the Boston Celtics, including the 21-22 campaign when he was named the Defensive Player of the Year.

So, it’s only obvious that the Celtics supporters will feel betrayed by the guard after his recent move to the Lakers. Although it’s been a minute since Smart suited up for the Celtics, as they traded him to the Grizzlies in 2023, after which he moved to Washington midway through last season. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how the Celtics fans will take this trade. More importantly, what will be their reaction when Marcus Smart returns to the TD Garden as a Lakers player? That’s surely something everyone will look forward to next season.