Do you remember what fans call LeBron James? That’s right—LeGM. It’s not just a nickname, it’s a belief. A belief that LeBron is never out of the loop when it comes to front office decisions. Whether it’s trades, signings, or big-picture vision, many speculate that nothing happens in L.A. without LeBron’s stamp of approval.

Some even believe he knew about the Lakers’ plans to move Anthony Davis before they were finalized. And now? All eyes are on Luka Doncic’s future. With the 26-year-old guard reportedly at a crossroads, the question becomes: should LeBron take responsibility for keeping Luka in purple and gold—or step back?

Stephen A. Smith, never one to hold back, has plenty to say on the matter and took a surprising route in his latest take.

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.

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!

“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.