“It’s a stain if LeBRON JAMES misses the Playoffs again”: Stephen A. Smith Goes On a Rant For Possible Lakers’ Failure

Except for the 2019-20 NBA season, LeBron James’ Lakers tenure has been his worst year in the league since his first few years. He might not let you know his distaste for it with his happy-go-lucky aura that he is constantly trying to maintain, but he is sick of it.

That’s the reason why he had those indirect shots at the Lakers’ upper management when they were unable to find a good deal for Russell Westbrook. And since the trade happened at the deadline, he is visibly as happy as you might have ever seen him be.

Now, having a more than decent squad to compete, if it does not translate to a championship, or falls anywhere short of the Finals, he will surely consider it a failure. But, ESPN’s veteran analyst has another concern.

Also read: WATCH: Bryce and Bronny James Caught Mocking LeBron James During Event Celebrating the King’s Greatness

Stephen A. Smith believes it’ll be a stain on LeBron James if he misses the Playoffs again

In a recent segment of the First Take, sitting beside former Clippers’ sharpshooter JJ Redick, Stephen A. Smith said it’ll be an embarrassment if playing for the Lakers and not their across-the-hall rivals, James fails to make the Playoffs yet again.

It’s a stain to some degree if LeBRON misses the playoffs again. pic.twitter.com/ILsBqGjz0V

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) February 21, 2023

To be fair, the man is speaking facts. The Purple and Gold now have some of the best players in the league at all positions with the addition of D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley at #1 and #2.

James perhaps has no different views than Smith. Don’t be surprised if you see either him or AD if the Lakers get an early exit in the Playoffs, forget not qualifying.

Also read: Despite Almost Suffering from a “Hummer Scandal” in 2003, LeBron James is Now Selling New Ones With Crabs

How good are the new-look Lakers to compete in the West?

With James, Jared Vanderbilt, and Anthony Davis playing in the front court, and the two guards who are good at shooting backing them, there are hardly any teams that will like their chances against them in a 7-game series, on paper.

However, we know how fragile the Lakers’ relationship is with injuries and with the consistency in the will to win. Let’s see if they can stay focused enough to finish as the top-6 teams in the West.

They would not want to be in Play-in situations with the teams like the New Orleans Pelicans, the OKC Thunder, and not for sure against the Warriors (given they stay where they are currently).

Also read: LeBron James vs DK Metcalf: Does the Rising Seahawks’ Star’s Athleticism have the GOAT of Basketball Beat?

About the author

Akash Murty

An Electrical and Electronics Engineer by degree, Akash Murty is an NBA Editor at The SportsRush. Previously a Software Engineer, Murty couldn’t keep himself away from sports, and his knack for writing and putting his opinion forward brought him to the TSR. A big Soccer enthusiast, his interest in basketball developed late, as he got access to a hoop for the first time at 17. Following this, he started watching basketball at the 2012 Olympics, which transitioned to NBA, and he became a fan of the game as he watched LeBron James dominate the league. Him being an avid learner of the game and ritually following the league for around a decade, he now writes articles ranging from throwbacks, and live game reports, to gossip. LA Lakers are his favourite basketball team, while Chelsea has his heart in football. He also likes travelling, reading fiction, and sometimes cooking.

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