Stephen A. Smith slaps Lakers with blunt reality
Stephen A. Smith questions Lakers’ roster and contention status with LeBron James, Anthony Davis.
The Los Angeles Lakers faced harsh criticism Tuesday after their 109-80 blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, a game that marked their fifth defeat in the past seven outings. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith addressed the team’s struggles on First Take, focusing on LeBron James’ recent slump and the lack of support surrounding the 39-year-old superstar.
“The man is phenomenal, he’s great, he’s a treasure to the NBA, we all appreciate him,” Smith said. “When we talk about slippage, I got to look at the totality of his game. I’m seeing him get burnt on defense a lot, I’m seeing him not getting back on defense a lot – not knocking that, he’s approaching 40 years of age, he shouldn’t have to. He should have more help.”
.@stephenasmith on LeBron and the Lakers going 2-5 in their last seven games 👀
"The Lakers ain't going nowhere. Let's call it what it is." 😳
(via @FirstTake) pic.twitter.com/1UJPhfRrJX
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 3, 2024
Stephen A. Smith questions Lakers’ contention as LeBron James struggles© Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Furthermore, Smith expressed concerns about the Lakers’ trajectory, questioning the team’s ability to contend this season.
“Ultimately, we have to get to a point, at this stage and point in your career we do have to legitimately ask LeBron James what you’re playing for?” he continued. “Because guess what, the Lakers aren’t going nowhere. Let’s call it what it is.”
The Lakers, who started the season 10-4, have fallen to 12-9. James, in his 22nd year, has seen a decline in his performance, averaging 18.9 points, 8.4 assists, and 7.9 rebounds over the last seven games while shooting just 42.3% from the field and a dismal 20.5% from three-point range.
Smith also highlighted other players on the roster who have failed to step up consistently.
“I’m looking at the lack of development or the lack thereof the players around him. Whether it’s Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell – Mr. Cruise Control himself, that’s what I call him. Whoever else you want come up with – Austin Reaves, high one day, low another, whatever the case may be,” Smith said.
Anthony Davis shines, but Lakers’ depth and James’ workload raises concerns
