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Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves combined for 60 points in the Lakers’ win over the Knicks, but the real debate afterward centered on LeBron James’ role. Jason Timpf explains why the Lakers still need LeBron, but may need to adjust how they use him.

The Los Angeles Lakers have more pressure on them to keep Marcus Smart due to their “big three” all enjoying playing with him. Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves are responsible for the Lakers having a strong season. General Manager Rob Pelinka will have to make a lot of major decisions over which current players to keep and which names to recruit in free agency.

Lake Show Life revealed the big three love Smart and want the veteran back if they keep the core together:

“James did not care if he was beating a dead horse with the statement that was about to follow. LeBron made sure to reemphasize just how important Smart has been to the Lakers with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both absent.

The veteran guard has been so good to the Lakers with his on-court play, off-court leadership, or otherwise. One way or another, with the offseason quickly approaching, the players around Smart are making his case for him when it comes to an extended stay in Los Angeles.”

Smart has done a great job just two games into the postseason by making up for the loss of two superstars. The Lakers now have a chance to get past the Houston Rockets in the first round and prepare for both Doncic and Reaves to return for the second round. LeBron has gone out of his way to praise Smart’s impact on the team.

Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves Love Marcus Smart

This season featured Smart becoming one of the most important new additions to the roster. Smart joined the team after a couple of lackluster seasons with the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies.

The Lakers signing Smart allowed him to prove to the league that he’s still an impactful player after the Boston Celtics traded him to bad scenarios. Doncic called Smart one of the most intelligent defenders in the league earlier this season when he joined the starting lineup.

Reaves praised Smart for helping him get open looks during a portion of the season with both Luka and LeBron out with injuries. All three current stars for the Lakers viewing Smart as such an important part of the team means they must keep him for next season.

Marcus Smart Will Likely Need New Lakers Contract

Smart currently has a $5 million player option for next season and will likely enter free agency instead. The best-case scenario season has shown Smart playing big minutes for a playoff team and contributing to their winning ways.

It makes complete sense for Smart to opt out of his deal and go for a multi-year contract while his value is this high. The Lakers will have to prioritize re-signing Reaves and James first before figuring out which other players they can retain or sign.

Jaxson Hayes, Luke Kennard, Rui Hachimura, and DeAndre Ayton could all require new deals to return to the team. Many free agents on the market have been linked to the Lakers due to their need for athletic defenders. Smart might take a pay cut to stay in a good situation, but he’ll require a longer deal to stay in Los Angeles.