After giving it some thought, I don't think that Locke asked the question for any reason at all. The writers know that it is one of the biggest questions we as viewers want answered. They had Locke ask that question so that they could practically hear the collective gasps of viewers around the world as they held their breath waiting for Ben's reply. Basically, they did it to torture us!! lol
I think Locke has a basic understanding of what Smokey may be. If he was going to ask any question at all, I would think he would ask where and whom Jacob is.
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