“LeBron James will retire as a Laker”: Stephen A. Smith is confident the Lakers superstar will end his career at the Staples Center

Television personality and First Take analyst Stephen A Smith believes that LeBron James will play his final NBA game in a Lakers jersey

The LA Lakers had a disappointing 2020-21 NBA season which was followed by an early playoff exit. The season saw their superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis go down with major injuries.

LeBron suffered a high ankle sprain during a game against the Atlanta Hawks during the regular season. This led to the former 4x MVP missing 27 games, which was the highest in his 18 seasons so far.

Though LeBron did make his return in the final games of the season. The 17x NBA All-Star was not his 100% which reflected in his performances as well.

LeBron was eliminated in the first round of the 2021 playoffs, which was the earliest post-season exit of his career.

LeBron James has lost consecutive 1st round games for the first time in his career.

This is also the first time in LeBron’s career that he trails a 1st round series after Game 5 or later. pic.twitter.com/fketlhfVEB

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 2, 2021

Also Read: “I wanted to be alone for a moment”: When Dirk Nowitzki needed his solitude after winning 2011 NBA championship, beating LeBron James’ Miami Heat Big 3

36-year-old LeBron James is still at the prime of his career

Age doesn’t seem to slow down the 4x Final MVP, who continues to average 25 PPG on a career 51.3% shooting from the field.

LeBron is definitely one of the most influential players of the last decade, who has continued to inspire millions around the globe.

First Take analyst Stephen A Smith had this to say on ESPN’s KJZ when asked if LeBron would retire as a Laker:                                                                                                                                                                              “I believe so. I believe the only place he would ever go back to is Cleveland and I can’t see that happening. But I think this is it. Especially because Anthony Davis because Anthony Davis is here. LeBron has a lot to do with that. That’s the guy LeBron wanted.”

The Lakers need to make a lot of changes going into the off-season if they want to win another championship. The franchise needs to surround LeBron with a better supporting cast owing to their terrible performances in the playoffs.

Also Read: “Chris Paul and Devin Booker blew out LeBron James and Nikola Jokic”: Phoenix Suns register average win margin of 18 points in 6-game winning streak

From what it looks, LeBron should not be leaving the Lakers franchise anytime soon, especially since Space Jam 2 is around the corner. LA seems to be the best place for the future Hall Of Famer.

Though only time will tell where the NBA superstar will end his career.